ENTERPRISE, Ala. — Two local Girl Scouts, Bella and Josie, are calling on the City of Enterprise to ban intentional balloon releases due to their environmental and safety risks. As part of their Silver Award project—the highest honor for Girl Scout Cadettes—the girls launched a petition aimed at convincing city leaders to pass a local ordinance prohibiting large-scale balloon releases at events like memorials and grand openings.
The scouts emphasize the damage caused when balloons fall back to Earth, often landing in parks, rivers, farms, and roads. Wildlife and livestock can be harmed by ingesting balloon debris or becoming entangled in strings. The girls also raise concerns about potential hazards to aircraft, noting Enterprise’s proximity to Fort Novosel, a major helicopter flight training site.
Bella and Josie stress that the proposed ordinance would not punish accidental balloon loss, but would target mass releases, which they say are avoidable and unnecessary. They also hope to educate the public on safer alternatives for celebrations.
The petition, now gathering signatures, seeks to show public support and align with Enterprise’s mission to keep the community clean and safe. The girls believe now is the time to act and make lasting, positive change.
