Balloon releases are a form of litter and harm many animals

Now that celebration season is soon upon us, I would like to educate readers about balloon releases for special occasions and remembrance services for people who have passed on. These balloons float out of sight, leaving an ugly trail of garbage that pollutes the environment and endangers animals and sealife whereverthey land.

Our waterways, oceans, forests and fields are being polluted by these simple acts of love and remembrance.

Balloons don’t “float to heaven.” They blow with the wind. Who knows where they eventually end up? A pretty sight, with an ugly ending.

Each year, thousands of baby sea turtles and other creatures die from ingesting pieces of balloons and other plastic fragments. Birds have become entangled in the strings, and wildlife, farm animals and family pets have been injured or killed by ingesting pieces of these wayward balloons lodged in their digestive tracts. Safer alternatives do exist. Many communities are having tree planting/commemorative events in their parks and playgrounds to reintroduce trees and plants native to the area, while removing invasive species.

Butterfly releases are also a beautiful way to celebrate a “life event,” reintroducing them back to their native environment, as many butterfly species are endangered from overuse of pesticides and toxic garden chemicals.

Releasing balloons is littering and should be treated as such.

Think twice, the next time you plan to purchase balloons to send skyward.

LYNN A. SHALLENBERGER

Whitaker