The Scary Truth Behind Releasing Balloons Into The Sky

Apr 20, 2018

We've all done it. Watching a balloon float up seemingly forever is mystifying, especially as a kid. However, there are tons of occasions where balloons could be released, such as birthdays, weddings, graduations, you name it. When we celebrate, we bring balloons, and too often we're releasing them outside.

Balloons Blow is an important organization that aims to educate people on the dangers of releasing balloons into the environment. You may not realize it, but each balloon released is killing wildlife and polluting the earth.
 

Balloons Blow is advocating for stricter regulations that don't permit people to intentionally release balloons. They explained that balloons can travel thousands of miles and threaten any life that comes in contact with them.
 

The tragedy is that most wildlife can't distinguish the difference between trash and food. Turtles are especially vulnerable to our trash because it mimics the appearance of jellyfish, their favorite food.

Once an animal swallows a balloon, it leads to a slow, painful starvation since their bodies can't eliminate the trash. Strings can also trap animals and prevent them from moving.

You may not think twice about the effects of releasing a balloon, but you probably wouldn't feel comfortable throwing your trash directly into the ocean. Since the earth is mostly ocean, chances are, releasing a balloon is doing just that.
 

Some balloons are marketed as biodegradable, but don't let this fool you. These balloons can still take years to eventually break down, which is ample time to wreak havoc on surrounding wildlife.

Latex balloons are the main dangers to wildlife, but mylar/foil balloons are just as scary. These kinds of balloons are known to cause power outages and even spark fires.
 

So what can we do to help?

First of all, never release your balloons into the sky. Absolutely no good will come from it. Secondly, you should educate those around you, especially businesses, on the dangers of releasing balloons.

You don't have to sacrifice the festivity of your event. Try using bubbles, banners, and flags instead! Lastly, if you really want to get involved, look into participating in local environmental events. You can take matters into your own hands by planting trees, cleaning up trash, or growing your own garden.
 

Your habits can start a chain reaction in those around you. As the saying goes, be the change you wish to see in the world. Others will be motivated that they can make a difference in saving the environment, and hopefully all of us will start working harder at preservation efforts. It's never too late to start!

Make sure you raise awareness by letting everyone know the dangers of releasing balloons! We can make a difference!