Balloons float up into the air and disappear from your thoughts, but not from the environment.
Instead of releasing balloons into the environment, why not try a wildlife friendly alternative?
Beach litter surveys organised by the Marine Conservation Society have shown that the number of balloons and balloon pieces found on UK beaches has tripled in the last 10 years.
You can enjoy balloons without harming wildlife.
Prize balloon popping
• 10% of released balloons don’t burst, they float back down to earth where they pose a serious threat to wildlife.
• Use balloons made of natural rubber latex rather than mylar (foil) balloons.
Balloon relay – Each member of a team has to run a short distance and sit on a balloon to pop it before running back to tag the next member of the team. The first team to pop all their balloons wins!
• Dolphins, whales, turtles, seabirds and other animals have all been killed by balloons.
• Mass balloon releases have already been banned by several local authorities in the UK, USA and Australia.
• Securely tie any balloons that are used outside.
• If swallowed, balloons can block an animal’s gut and cause it to starve.
• Always hand tie balloons rather than using plastic valves.
Balloon art -Hire a balloon artist or, for a big, bold statement, try a giant air- filled-balloon sculpture.
• Animals can become entangled in balloon ribbons and string, restricting their movement and their ability to feed.
• Even biodegradable latex balloons are a danger as they can take several months or even years to break down.
BALLOONS CAN KILL WILDLIFE
