BALLOONS Don't Go to HEAVEN

Balloons are ubiquitous. We use them in many of our celebrations - from weddings, to christening, anniversaries, birthdays, festivals, even funerals. The reasons are obvious - balloons are colorful, pleasing to the eyes, plus they can fly.

The spectacle of balloons flying high in the sky not only captivates our imagination but also symbolizes many of the values and feelings we cherish: freedom, happiness, romance, adventure, peace and fate. To some, it may even offer a sense of relief - to carry memories of loves ones. These perhaps are the reasons why we continue the practice and are unaware of its consequences.

Have you ever thought of what really happens to the balloons we release?

I hate to disappoint but they don't go to heaven. Nor do the angels snatch them to beautify the altars of the Lord Almighty. They drop back down to earth and some end up in the belly of a fish, turtle or bird.

*Balloons removed from inside Hawksbill sea turtle in August 2011* *credit: Lance Ferris*

As much as we like to imagine that these balloons will fly across the universe and spread and message of peace, happiness and tranquility, our imagination is misused in the strictest sense of the word.

What goes up, must come down

Balloons have secured a place in our hearts but please secure them to the ground! Understand that balloons released into the sky may burst or just gradually deflate but they all fall back down to Earth where they can wreak havoc on wildlife on land, sea, and air.

*credit: David E. Gurniewicz*

Turtles, dolphins, whales, and many other marine species, as well as terrestrial animals such as dogs, cows, goat, sheep, birds and other animals have all been hurt or killed by balloons. The animal is usually killed from the balloon blocking its digestive tract, leaving them unable to take in any more nutrients. It's a slow death of starvation. Animals can also become entangled in the balloon and its ribbon making the animal unable to move or eat.

*Fragments of a blue latex balloon found in the stomach of green turtle* *credit: Rod Penrose*

Sea turtles are particularly at high risk because they naturally prey on jellies, and balloons can easily be mistaken for, even with human eyes.

*source: wildflower-favours.co.uk*

Aren't Balloons Biodegradable?

Most balloons are not. The ones made of latex are but it takes years to break it down. This gives plenty of time for it to travel and encounter many animals that may mistake it for a tasty snack, or accidentally get entangled in it.

So the next time you hold a party or celebrate, please consider keeping the balloons on the ground. Billions of balloons are sold, blown and released every year and thousands if not millions of animals suffer as a consequence. Let's be mindful of the effects of our actions and help preserve the environment.