Governor Signs Conservation Into Effect
In case you missed it – Governor Northam signed five new conservation laws into effect at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s Brock Environmental Center in Virginia Beach on Friday, June 25th.
Reducing Plastic Waste
This bunch of balloons was found 3 miles east of Virginia Beach during a humpback whale survey.
The new laws include measures to reduce plastic waste in our environment, bays, rivers, and creeks. One of these laws includes Delegate Nancy Guy’s Balloon Bill, which VCN and Partner organizations lobbied for in the 2021 General Assembly. The Balloon Bill bans the intentional release of balloons because of their plastic waste litter and resulting threat to wildlife. Balloons are one of the top five litter debris found on Virginia’s beaches, and harm more than 30 species of wildlife who mistake balloon debris for food, including endangered sea turtles.
The governor noted at the signing that “it takes a village to be stewards of our environment and natural resources,” and we couldn’t agree more – we’d like to thank our Partners that made up that “village” by crafting, advocating, and lobbying for the passage of the Balloon Bill: the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Foundation Center, Environment Virginia, Lynnhaven River Now, Virginia League of Conservation Voters, and Clean Virginia Waterways.
While balloons are fun decorations, even The Balloon Council trade association advocates that balloons should not be intentionally released. At your next special event, try these festive alternatives to celebrate:
- Bubbles
- Biodegradable confetti – try hole-punching leaves!
- Kites
- Flags
- Streamers