Balloon Releases

occasionalrain · ‎03-10-2010

Why do people gather to release balloons to honor or celebrate or call attention when they harm wildlife and litter the environment. The strings get tangled around birds and fish killing them. Some honor that.

Mominohio · ‎08-08-2010

I tend to agree with you OP. While it can be a beautiful moment, and be so meaningful to those doing it, I really don't like the environmental impact either. It can be so deadly to wildlife, to get caught up in the strings or ingest the balloons when the pop.

Are there perhaps new balloons and strings that decompose very quickly out now for just this type of event?

tends2dogs · ‎05-08-2010

I don't have an answer as to why people are still doing this. I just know that when I see it happening, I cringe.

I wish someone would come up with an alternative type of release that would benefit the environoment and wildlife.

Fear not Brothers and Sisters! I have read THE BOOK..........we win!!!

NoelSeven · ‎03-09-2010

It's done to send love and wishes to the heavens. Sometimes a note is included.

It is not only dangerous to birds, but to other animals, especially when it falls into the sea.

The balloons also hit power lines sometimes.

A Thrill Of Hope The Weary World Rejoices

foundinlv · ‎04-20-2012

Mass balloon releases are illegal in several states, cities, and countries. Releasing balloons and sky lanterns should be illegal everywhere, because after all, it is simply littering.

States that have laws: California, Connecticut, Florida, Tennessee and Virginia.

Cities that have laws: Ocean City, Maryland; Louisville, Kentucky; Huntsville, Alabama; San Francisco, California; Nantucket, Massachusetts, and Baltimore, Maryland.

http://balloonsblow.org/laws-concerning-balloons/

Lucky Charm · ‎03-09-2010

I can't walk the beach without picking up trash.

Empty water bottles, dog poo bags (filled usually--idiots) and spent (mylar) balloons with the ribbon attached are the most common things I find.

I can't believe they are that common to be the third most likely thing to find as you'd never see blown up balloons on the beach.

I've been on beaches where they send off the paper balloons that look like mini hot air balloons. I don't think they're a good idea either.

Kalli · ‎03-11-2010

Last summer my friend and I brought home from a trail ride, a balloon from Valentines Day (not sure which year). It was the kind that had had helium in it. Who knows how long it had been in the woods? If we hadn't picked it up, it would still be there.

I agree with what has already been posted here. I wish people would consider what happens to those stupid things once the holiday is over. I wish they'd consider the fact that helium balloons often excape their owner's grasp and wind up in trees, tangled up and ugly. Or worse, they get tangled around a living creature who suffers and dies because it.