Dear Editor,
Dollar Tree on Jefferson Blvd, urges the Culver City Council to vote no on banning the sale of balloons in the town at the vote planned for Monday July 14.The proposed balloon sales ban threatens local businesses while failing to address the real issue: improper balloon disposal.
At Dollar Tree, we are committed to proper use and disposal of balloons. In fact, our sustainability policy focuses on waste reduction & recycling as well as engaging our suppliers to adopt responsible practices. This means, at our Culver City location, we take great care to encourage that all inflated balloons leave our customers’ stores weighted to prevent them from escaping into the environment. We do not support selling balloons intended for release. Our goal is to provide a safe, responsible product for responsible consumers.
Beyond being ineffective, this ban would hurt local businesses, including our customers who are event planners and balloon artists—forcing them to shop outside Culver City, reducing tax revenue, and leading to job losses. Rather than an outright ban, the City should focus on public education that promotes responsible use.
I urge city leaders to reject this ban and instead collaborate with local businesses on public education efforts that protect the environment without hurting our community.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Silberman
SVP, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer
Dollar Tree
