I sometimes see things about organising a 'balloon release' and my heart sinks. Like everyone else I think the sight of hundreds of balloons soaring up into a blue sky is a beautiful thing, trailing tags with notes of love to heaven, what a gorgeous idea...but balloons come down, and when they do they kill things, lots of things.
They fall into rivers, get snarled in trees, drift to the sea, and wildlife get's caught up or eats the burst skins of the balloons (particualrly turtles that naturally eat jellyfish drifting in the sea)
You wouldn't organise a mass litter. Please don't organise a balloon release.(Ditto 'sky lanterns') Maybe you need more convincing, if so here are some links. I'd appreciate it if you spread the word.
And if I've convinced you to change your mind. Here are some other things you could do that would not harm our planet.
I especially like this idea
"Floating flowers- For a lot of people, the gently
upward drifting of balloons gives them a sense of letting go, and at the
same time thinking the balloon will eventually reach their loved one.
Because remembering a loved one by potentially killing another life
isn’t exactly the best feeling, there are many alternatives. Floating
flowers or flower petals down a calm stream can give you the same sense
of letting go. You will be able to be in nature and feel the energy of
your loved one and all the life that surrounds you! Be sure to use
non-poisonous flowers and not to let go an excessive amount."
We only have one chance, let's not screw it up - I want a beautiful planet for future generations. I hope you do too.
