Closed petition Ban plastic and foil balloon releases and fund memorial forests instead
Thousands of balloons are released into the towns & countryside of the UK every year..
More details
These balloons pollute, can endanger farm animals, and do not decompose. They serve zero purpose in assisting the environment and it goes without saying that despite sentimental intention they can actually cause harm.
If the Government funded the planting of trees in memory of loved ones, perhaps people would have memorial forests to visit during their own lifetimes instead of two minutes of a balloon release and nothing to show for it.
This petition is closed All petitions run for 6 months
Related activity
MPs call for ban on all plastic waste exports
MPs on the House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee have called for a ban on the export of all plastic waste from the UK by 2027 to reduce the country's contribution to global plastic waste pollution.
Read a summary of the Committee's report on plastic waste
Report on ending the impact of plastic waste
Earlier this month, the Committee published a report on the impact of plastic waste and ways of reducing it. In their report, MPs called on the Government to restrict the amount of plastic that can be exported from the UK. They also called on the Government to step up the enforcement of existing rules to prevent criminal gangs illegally exporting and dumping UK-produced waste.
The report follows a series of evidence sessions earlier this year, where the Committee questions representatives from charities, environmental campaigners and commercial trade experts. At these sessions the Committee explored:
- whether the Government’s current ambitions to reduce plastic waste were enough
- how alternatives to plastic consumption can be identified and supported
- how England's current plastic exports impact other countries.
Find out more about the Committee's inquiry into plastic waste and read oral evidence from the Committee's inquiry.
What is the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee?
The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee is a cross-party group of backbench MPs that scrutinises the administration, spending and policy of the Government’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
- Find out more about the Committee
- Follow the Committee on Twitter for updates on its work. The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee is a select committee. Find out how select committees work.
Get involved in the work of the UK Parliament
Sign up to the Your UK Parliament newsletter for the latest information on how to get involved and make a difference.