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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To take my daughter out of nursery because of balloons

181 replies

Theharvestwidow · 14/07/2019 22:38

My husband is a farmer and today came home with a balloon with long ribbon attached, which he rescued from a calf trying to eat it in the field. We have realised it is from DDs local nursery as part of a mass balloon release (this is the second such event in the space of a few months). It seems this time each balloon had a child’s name and what they want to be when they grow up and were released as part of class ‘graduating’. The previous event last month was I think to raise money for local firefighters, they wanted us to donate £1 for a balloon but I refused to take part. It’s a big chain nursery.

Husband and I are obviously lovers of the countryside (and the planet in general!) and I feel really strongly about cutting down on the use of plastics and littering/rubbish etc. I’m going to take the balloon in to nursery and write a strongly worded email to head office as I wonder if this kind of activity is dictated by some central policy, but I do feel in this day and age with so much more focus and understanding on environmental issues, that it’s a bit nuts to still be encouraging our next generation to do this and want to consider looking for a different nursery which acts more responsibly...AIBU?

OP posts:
SmartPlay · 17/07/2019 14:58

It’s pretty hard to live these days without a car.

That pretty much depends on where you live and where you need to go, don't you think? If you live somewhere with good or at least okay public transportation, you don't need a car. If the distances you need to travel aren't too long, you can also go by bike - again no need for a car.

HopelessLayout · 17/07/2019 15:13

@44PumpLane be aware that although latex balloons are considered bio-degradable, this will take anywhere from 6 months to 4 years to decompose and they can wreak a lot of havoc before they do.

44PumpLane · 17/07/2019 15:52

Thanks Hopeless.

I had been googling and come across a company online, whose balloons are made from Natural Latex which they state will biodegrade within a few months on a compost heap (we have compost heaps so this would be what we would do). I may give these a try, but also may just not bother and just teach the kids that balloons aren't appropriate anymore. We say no to lots of wants (they are 2.5) so it's jot like this wpiod be unusual.

HopelessLayout · 17/07/2019 17:17

44PumpLane This site has lots of ideas for balloon-free parties:
balloonsblow.org/environmentally-friendly-alternatives/

Trixyvix · 18/07/2019 13:12

I can't believe balloon releases are not illegal yet. Absolutely awful

SynchroSwimmer · 20/07/2019 19:54

I would want them to see a photo of the calf...and a second photo of the balloon in the field....

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