Why Balloon Releases Are Bad For The Environment & 3 Alternative Ways To Celebrate
- Thomas Nelson
- December 16, 2022
- Nature
- 0 Comments
Balloon releases are often used in celebration and as a way to commemorate an event, but their negative environmental impact should be taken into account. The practice of releasing balloons into the air has become increasingly popular in recent years, but the effects of these releases on wildlife and the environment can be severe.
Balloons are made of non-biodegradable materials and when released, they can cause harm to animals as they eventually fall back down to the ground. They can also have a long-term negative impact on ecosystems, especially when balloons are accidentally ingested by animals or when balloons degrade and leach chemicals into the environment. As a result, balloon releases should be avoided due to the potential harm they pose to the environment.
Why are balloon releases bad?
Balloons are bad because they can cause power outages if they get stuck in power lines, harm wildlife if they are not disposed of properly, and don’t biodegrade quickly. This means that even when disposed of correctly, balloons can take up to 6 months or more to biodegrade, potentially causing harm to the environment. Let’s talk about some of the reasons why balloon releases should be banned.
Metallic balloons can cause power outages
Metallic balloons can cause power outages if they come into contact with power lines. The metallic coating on these metallic, or Mylar balloons, is able to conduct electricity, so when they come into contact with a power line or substation equipment it can cause a short circuit. This short circuit can lead to power outages, fires, and possible injuries. These balloons should never be let go!
Balloons can tangle wildlife
Balloons are a popular decoration for parties and events, but unfortunately, when released into the environment, they can tangle up and harm wildlife. The strings from balloons can entangle birds and other animals, impairing their movements and potentially leading to death. To help protect our wildlife, it is important to use balloons responsibly and never release them.
Wildlife may mistake them for food
Wildlife, such as birds and turtles, can often mistake balloons for food. The materials that make up a balloon, such as latex, can seem similar to food items such as fish or squid to some animals, meaning that they may mistakenly try to eat them. This can be dangerous for the animals, as balloons can cause a blockage in their system, leading to injury or death.
Biodegradable balloons don’t degrade fast enough
Biodegradable balloons are a much better environmental option than regular balloons, as they are made from natural materials and are compostable. However, the rate at which they degrade is quite slow. In some cases, it may take 6 months or more for a biodegradable balloon to completely break down in a natural environment. This means that balloon litter can still be a major issue, even if biodegradable balloons are used. All of the problems created by balloon litter are still a problem until the balloon degrades.
Alternatives to balloon releases
Picking an alternative to balloon releases is a great way to help protect nature. By choosing an alternative to balloon releases, you can help keep the environment safe and healthy. These are some popular ways to celebrate a person’s life or an event without creating more litter.
Plant a tree
Planting trees instead of balloon releases is a great way to celebrate special occasions and show appreciation for the environment. Trees are important for our planet as they provide oxygen, clean the air, and create habitats for wildlife. Planting a tree is a long-term investment that can help keep the environment healthy for years to come. Not only do trees help the environment, but they can also be a beautiful and meaningful way to show appreciation and celebrate special occasions. Planting a tree is a simple but powerful way to make a difference and leave a lasting impression.
Plant flowers
Planting flowers is an excellent and environmentally friendly alternative to releasing balloons into the atmosphere. Not only does planting flowers bring more life to the environment, but it also allows for an ongoing reminder of the occasion, as the flowers will continue to bloom and bring joy to the area. Additionally, planting flowers can be a wonderful and lasting way to commemorate a special occasion, allowing people to enjoy the beauty of the flowers long after the event. Planting flowers is a great way to show respect to the environment while also celebrating a meaningful event.
Make a donation
Making a donation in someone’s name instead of doing a balloon release is a great way to honor their memory. Donations can be made to a variety of causes that are meaningful to the person and their family. This can be anything from a gift to a charity or organization that was important to them, to a scholarship or fund that will help others in their memory. Not only is this a meaningful way to honor the person, but it is also much more eco-friendly than a balloon release, which can cause harm to wildlife. A donation in someone’s name is a beautiful way to remember them, and it can make a lasting impact on the world.
Fly a kite
Flying a kite has become an increasingly popular alternative to balloon releases as a way to add color to the sky. Kites have been around since ancient times, and today, they come in all shapes and sizes, from traditional diamond-shaped kites to modern stunt kites. Flying a kite is a wonderful way to bring color to the sky, as the kite dances around in the air, and the sight of it is sure to bring a smile to all who witness it. It is also a great way to help the environment, as there is less risk of kites creating litter on the ground or harming wildlife. Plus, it’s a great way to get outdoors and enjoy a day of fun with the family, and the memories of a kite-flying day together will last a lifetime.
Throw a seed bomb
Throwing seed bombs filled with native plant seeds instead of doing balloon releases is a great way to help the environment and remember a special person or event. The seed bombs act as a natural fertilizer and help to replenish the soil with nutrients and minerals that can help to grow new plants. This is a much better way to show appreciation for the environment than releasing balloons into the atmosphere, which can be harmful to wildlife and the environment. The native plant seeds used in the seed bombs can provide food and shelter to local wildlife, and they can help to restore natural habitats that have been damaged over time. Plus, the process of making the seed bombs can be a fun and interactive way to engage people in environmental protection.
