DARE COUNTY, N.C. (WAVY) — Debbie Swick, from Southern Shores, is working to ban the release of balloons.
While it may be fun to take part in, it's harmful to the environment and can travel up to 1,300 miles, she said.
“The impacts of releasing these balloons are so varied,” Swick said. “Whether they're released into the environment as litter, or into oceans, fields and forests, they're everywhere and they're impacting wildlife.”
In Virginia, Balloons are one of the most common types of litter.According to the state Department of Environmental Quality.
Swick began this effort a year ago, when she singlehandedly worked to pass four ordinances in Dare County, North Carolina.
“The most recent was Kitty Hawk, where the Duck people were the first to shout in victory, followed by Nags Head and Southern Shores,” she said. “Kitty Hawk was just last Monday, and we hope the momentum continues in other local towns.”
Some towns in Dare County have imposed fines as a deterrent, similar to a Virginia law enacted in 2021 that imposes a $25 fine per balloon.
“I think this will make people think twice,” she said. “Nags Head has imposed a $50 fine per balloon. Southern Shores, Duck and Kitty Hawk all have $250 fines per balloon.”
Southern Shores
Kitty Hawk/Duck/Nags Head
Her next step is to pursue statewide legislation.
“North Carolina is unique in that we can enforce ordinances not just at the county level but at the town level,” Swick said, “and I have the cooperation of Senator Bobby Honig, who is trying to get the bill passed. While he's chasing the big fish, I'm chasing the small fish.”
Swick's next meeting with Dare County Commissioners is scheduled for July 15.