Stop releasing helium balloons in memory of

[Fiis]

Plus seen weddings, gender reveals etc with this too.

Balloons do not go to heaven. They float c. 50 miles, depending on wind conditions, then pop as hit a certain height.

The balloon remains fall to earth, usually in a field. Farm animals have eaten them and reports of them dying,

If you want to remember someone, do something permanent such as planting a tree, lighting candles at home etc

Nothing says sophistication like a balloon arch .. what a load of nonsense.
Tacky as

Technically there is a law. It's littering and / or flytipping. But councils don't have the resources to go out and read the idiots the riot act when they are planning to do it.

Also if people bought them in shops, technically the law states that only should keep them for 6 weeks.

Some home insurance may not pay out if damage was caused by fireworks

I can't understand how seemingly a large portion of the public are trying to reduce single-use plastic and switch to better alternatives and yet balloons are still seen as something okay. I know latex is supposed to biodegrade but it takes a massively long time compared to the amount of time they're on display being admired. And people use hundreds of the things every day.

There are so many lovely alternatives.

Totally agree, OP.

It's another example of how so much that's wrong today is the result of social media. People see others doing things like this on SM, then they want to copy - largely so they can put it on SM. Pathetic.

It's naff, unoriginal and utterly consumerist as well as being harmful to the environment and to animals.But hey - we mustn't stop people enjoying a sentimental spectacle.

There are other things you can do to commemorate someone. How about planting a tree - that would probably be less expensive!

It's depressing that 5% of people on here think it's OK.

And holier-than-thou Mumsnet called people selfish arseholes for not wearing a mask. Yes, those horrible little blue things which were manufactured in their billions, and ended up in the oceans in their billions. Of course, reusing them was “grim” according to Mumsnet.

You didn't have to use the disposable ones - I always wore re-usable ones, and I've still got them - washed and put away for the next pandemic!!

It's rare that you can't find a better way. It's not always possible, but a bit of effort and research usually produces a more planet-friendly option.

Please do not encourage dove(or butterfly) releases. They’re equally terrible.

https://www.pigeonrescue.org/faqs-2/why-dove-releases-are-cruel/

https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2019/09/16/releasing-doves-at-ceremonies-why-you-shouldnt-do-it/

Dd not know that, thank you for putting me straight

The dove releases need to be banned too.

People do need/want to do something symbolic to commemorate a loved one and to help with their grief. That's why there have always been religious rites and ceremonies throughout human history. With the falling away of religious belief and people no longer wanting these kind of ceremonies, they look for something else to do instead because it's a natural human need to be able to process a death. That means people are turning to different kinds of symbolism such as balloon releases, lanterns, doves etc and the more people see this kind of thing on instagram the more people think that would be a lovely thing to do for their deceased family member without thinking about the environmental consequences.

It needs to be banned because otherwise people will keep doing it. There are plenty of other ways they can celebrate their loved one's life without damaging the environment, wasting helium or turning to some kind of religious rite if they don't want that.

I doubt that the majority know that. Also you’re welcome and thank you for listening.

Yes, beautiful white birds stuffed into crates for a few hours before release. What’s wrong with that.

I don’t think the “vast majority” do release balloons. Yes the organised firework displays are popular on 5th Nov but otherwise really don’t hear any where I am.

There isn’t a balloon or firework shop on any of the high streets near me. One woman advertise her balloon business on fb, that’s it. Mostly for kids age birthdays.

Maybe because I live somewhere (rural) with much more daily awareness of the environment perhaps?

Yes we need laws to stop stupid things being done by stupid people. Good idea.

Anyone who wants to do something to show off on SM or idolises a influencer (influencers can all fuck off) are sad and need a life

There are other reasons such as not knowing how to get food in the wild etc

Also famously, there were doves (actually pigeons) that were released just before the lighting of the 1988 Seoul Olympics’ flame. Most birds were fried alive. The Olympics don’t release doves anymore.

Edited as a pp put the same link as me

butteredhorseradish · Today 09:42

People do need/want to do something symbolic to commemorate a loved one and to help with their grief. That's why there have always been religious rites and ceremonies throughout human history. With the falling away of religious belief and people no longer wanting these kind of ceremonies, they look for something else to do instead because it's a natural human need to be able to process a death. That means people are turning to different kinds of symbolism such as balloon releases, lanterns, doves etc and the more people see this kind of thing on instagram the more people think that would be a lovely thing to do for their deceased family member without thinking about the environmental consequences.

A very good point. I'm sure you're right - this kind of thing has replaced religious rites for some.

It's still awful though - and difficult to control via the law - it would be a low priority for the police - so social pressure is the best way. Educating people and making it 'not cool' is the only real way to stop this kind of thoughtless, ostentatious waste/vandalism. But it will take a long time.

I'm sorry - I know this sounds harsh, but it does seem to be fuelled by childish and sentimental ideas which, if little children were coming out with this stuff, I'd understand. But adults who think the balloons go up to heaven to their loved ones??? Really?

Plant a tree or put up a bench in the park.

Yes it would be difficult to police but a law would put a lot of people off. Also the use of helium could be banned because it's a precious resource which is absolutely essential as a coolant.

Also I think that funeral directors could have a role to play here in offering or suggesting ways of commemorating loved ones other than shite helium balloons

I thought about this thread this morning as I was poo picking one of our paddocks, something glinting and moving across an adjoining paddock caught my eye.
It was a silvery helium balloon with the long string still attached… ended up caught in one of my hedges 😒