Balloon pollution no monkey business
Saturday Big Bash cricket match at the MCG will see crowds bubble over with excitement as Zoos Victoria attempts to break a Guinness World Record.
Event organiser Ben Sanders is aiming to have over 23,680 people blowing bubbles to raise awareness about the environmental impact of outdoor balloon use, but said more help was needed.
IS MELBOURNE'S POLLUTION GETTING WORSE?
"We need 1400 volunteers to supervise the event to make sure everyone is following the rules," he said.
A CSIRO study counted balloons among the top three most damaging pollutants harming marine wildlife.
Eighty per cent of baby seabirds on Lord Howe Island had some form of plastic in their stomachs, according to the University of Tasmania.
REMOTE ISLAND PLAGUED BY PLASTIC
WHY PLASTIC BAG BAN COULD MAKE THINGS WORSE
Mr Sanders said blowing bubbles was a more environmentally friendly alternative for outdoor celebrations.
"There isn't much research about (the damage caused by balloons) yet, so hopefully Saturday will help raise more awareness," Mr Sanders said.
Volunteers will receive a free ticket to the match between Melbourne teams the Stars and Renegades.
