Balloon launch hurts environment

The opening ceremonies for the men's Little 500 race included fanfare, guest speakers, a color guard, a capella singing, an invocation and the introduction of the 33 teams. Amid the excitement of these events, the competitive spirit in the air and support from the crowd, the traditional balloon launch was only a brief and minimal part of the celebration. \nWhile the balloons were colorful and fun, they were an unnecessary and environmentally unfriendly gesture that easily could have been left out of the ceremony.\nThe Student Environmental Action Coalition is opposed to the balloon launch, saying the balloons can drift for miles and could hurt wildlife once they land. They have urged the IU Student Foundation to find environmentally friendly alternatives to the launch, a plan IUSF has pursued but not resolved. \nInstead of continuing to release hundreds of potentially harmful balloons, IUSF should continue its search for biodegradable balloons or other alternatives. IUSF should follow the example of SEAC, which distributed tree saplings at the race in honor of Earth Day. Surely many students, riders and race fans would prefer to help the environment than potentially harm it. Planting trees or releasing environmentally safe balloons would be a more lasting and memorable way to celebrate the tradition and excitement of the race.\nThe yellow balloons among the colorful mix released at the ceremony were in honor of missing student Jill Behrman. While that was a lovely gesture of hope for her family and the Bloomington and campus communities, the student body can express such a gesture in a more environmentally responsible way. \nThe funds used for the balloons could have been given to the Jill Behrman Fund, a reward being offered for any new information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for her May 2000 disappearance. Many would prefer to support this cause instead of a tradition that could hurt the environment.\nThe balloons and other traditions in the opening ceremonies of the races are enjoyable, but many would prefer to help the environment and give the funds used for the balloon launch to important causes. In the future, IUSF should consider more environmentally safe and socially responsible ways to celebrate "The World's Greatest College Weekend."\n\nStaff vote: 8 - 5 -1\nyes - no - abstain\n