Balloon releases are used for ages to commemorate events or honor the memory of a loved one. While those who organize and participate in balloon releases have the best intentions, they fail to consider where those balloons eventually land. When balloons do, the results are harmful to wildlife and marine animals.
The Long-Lasting Impact of Balloons
Balloons negatively affect our climate by littering beaches, lakes, and streams - just like intentionally throwing trash on the ground or into the ocean shores. Even balloons marketed as biodegradable or "eco-friendly" would not any better for the environment than standard balloons.
Balloon's tattered ends and floating pieces, when they make their way into the water, could resemble jellyfish or other sea life eaten by marine animals such as dolphins, fish, and sea turtles.
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The negative impact on animals and the environment made the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and local chapters of the National Audubon Society decide to urge people to stop releasing balloons and find more humane alternatives that are safer for animals and our planet.
What You Can Do
If you know a person planning to release a balloon, please urge them to consider one of these earth- and animal-friendly options instead. Many other symbolic acts don't involve the use of balloons. Below is a list of options to do aside from releasing balloons. You could also find more by visiting this website that offers not only fun alternatives but educational materials to help you spread awareness about the dangers of balloons and balloon releases.
1. Bubbles
Bubbles are not only fun but could create beautiful photo ops. Watching loads of bubbles waft up into the sky might be enthralling and just as symbolic as seeing a balloon drift away without following the mess and endangerment to the natural world and marine animals.
2. Luminaries
Luminaries are a beautiful way to honor and memorialize cherished ones. Instead of writing messages on balloons and liberating them, you can write notes on recycled paper baggage or reusable glass jars with candles inside to create a lighted path or spell out a phrase or name. Each individual can carry their bag or jar home in a while as a personal keepsake to recall the event.
3. Plant a Tree
Planting native trees and wildflowers is a beautiful way to create a remembrance that lasts for years to come - and delivers a little something again to nature. Another fun concept is to have human beings release milkweed seeds, which helps monarch butterflies thrive through replenishing depleted supplies of the milkweed plant that is essential to their survival. If you pick to plant timber or flora somewhere aside from your yard, make sure you've got prior permission from a public park or nature area, as they often have regulations about invasive species of plants.
Conclusion
Celebrations and commemorative activities are meant to allow us to reflect on essential times in our lives; there's no cause these must come at the expense of wild animals.