Why releasing balloons and lanterns are killing wildlife

WHY RELEASING BALLOONS AND LANTERNS ARE KILLING WILDLIFE

A night sky filled with bright sky lanterns for colourful balloons ascending into the blue sky may be quite a sight to behold. But as the saying goes “what goes up must come down”, we are not the ones who pay the ultimate price when these balloons come down. 

This practice of releasing balloons and lanterns have been incorporated into nearly every celebration, from weddings and birthdays to New Year parties and sometimes to also show remembrance for a person. However, people fail to realize that once these balloons are released, they become nothing more than litter in the air. 

Based on information taken from sellers and manufacturers, balloons will float for about 8 to 12 hours while sky lanterns stay in the air up to 20 minutes.  During this time, they can travel long distances and can reach up to 1000 meters in height. When they finally descend, 70% of the time they end up in our oceans. 

Mistaken as Meals

One way these balloons and lanterns affect wildlife is that both animals on land and in the oceans misidentify them as sources of food. 

Sea turtles are especially vulnerable as jellyfishes are a common prey item for them. Often times, sea turtles consume deflated balloons floating in the ocean thinking that they are jellyfishes. This leads to stomach or intestinal blockages and eventual starvation. 

Birds and dolphins who are naturally curious animals that are attracted to bright colours and shiny objects may also end up ingesting these balloons. 

Entangled in String

Birds often get entangled in the strings and ribbons attached to the balloons. Once they are entangled they are unable to fly, which makes them extremely vulnerable. They may no longer be able to hunt for food which can lead to starvation. It may also strangle them to death as they try to untangle themselves. And string entanglement may also lead to them drowning. 

Starting Fires

Sky lanterns are also dangerous because of how easy they might catch fire when they land. They are essentially airborne candles wrapped in a paper and bamboo or wire frame. 

Several states have already banned their use. They have been known to cause several bush fires in the US, which affects wildlife as well, and even house fires in the UK. 

Alternatives

Luckily, there are alternatives that do not damage the environment and threaten wildlife. 

Planting flowers or trees can be a great way to remember someone as you always have somewhere to go back to. 

Floating flower petals will still give you the effect of releasing something and they will look beautiful as they head downstream. 

And lastly, lighting candles or tea lights is a fabulous way to remember someone. The flickering light will look beautiful and there will be no lasting impact as all candles will be blown out and removed from the environment.