AIBU to object to balloon and lantern memorial releases for environmental reasons ?

[Ihsk]

I do wish people would stop releasing balloons in tribute to lost loved ones.

Balloons don’t up to heaven. They travel a few miles and usually land in a farmer’s field. Where animals eat the balloon and get very ill or die.

This method is a cruel and other creatures can die.

Also still can get Chinese lanterns online. Anyone setting these off now are idiots. Forest fires

Why not just cut to the chase and just slaughter a cow or sheep? Then at least you can have a barbecue.

People may hate the chav word but such behave is super chavvy. My parents have died, not once have I felt the need to let off balloons or lanterns, etc. Never mind several times a year. Like a pp the moors near Manchester are currently ablaze because of one such idiot commemorating her equally idiotic mate who died. No idea how setting thousands of acres on fire, killing loads of wildlife and smoking out the whole of Manchester is a tribute to their friend.

Agree about balloons and lanterns

Not a huge fan of memorial benches. My local parks are starting to feel like cemeteries

Could we add taxes to the balloons and lanterns to cover the costs ? Say ten balloons is one dead cow means each ballon should cost £35

for lanterns and fireworks and portable BBQs- the cost of fighting those moorland fires I suspect would push the price up beyond most pockets

Love this.

It’s important that Nana Elsie’s 117 ‘heavenly birthday’ is shared far & wide across social media. Because birthdays obviously exist in the definitely-existing heaven. 🙄

I dont know why the government doesnt just ban Chinese lanterns and disposable BBQ from sale in the UK. It's such a quick win.

I'd be devastated if my loved ones thought murdering animals in my name was ok.

Yeah but they want something performative for Insta and Facebook

I understand the sentiment behind balloon and lantern releases, but I do wish more people realised the environmental impact. They don't disappear, they often end up in fields, rivers or the sea, where they can harm wildlife and livestock.
There are so many meaningful alternatives now, like planting a tree, lighting a candle or making a donation in someone's memory, which honour a loved one without risking harm to others.

You don't actually have to do this at all. Just because "it looks pretty" presumably 🙄

@BeSunnyLemonSheep How very fucking naff .

If only MN were a place where we could educate/inform/appeal without calling the practices of others (sometimes cultual) - moronic, chavvy, cunty and all sorts.

@Ihsk YANBU.

Agreed. Mawkish and performative. Ego-centric to place a piece of furniture in a public space, and ensure every single person who passes sees the life dates of a dead person they never knew. I just wanna do park run. If I wanted a trip down death lane Id head for a prowl around the cemetery.

Dont get me started on those bits of tat and dead flowers sellotaped to the benches then left to wither. Nice.

That's quite illegal and scummy of you all. Bless your thick little heads ruining things for everyone else in your town.

The only upside is that the council will eventually fine you all for littering.

If the (Burberry) cap fits wear it 👍

If they're in your thoughts and memories why do you feel the need to let off lanterns or balloons?

in sure your dead relatives really appreciate it ffs

when we run out of safe drinking water and it’s 50’degree summers and flash floods - I’m sure your grandkids will be grateful for all the balloon and lantern memories 🤣🤣🤣

Just when you didn't think anyone could be ignorant enough to still do this, along comes someone like you.

Can't you think of a better way to remember your loved ones?

I can't think of anything less appropriate in rememberance of my gentle, nature loving Dad. As a young lad he had to go and trap rabbits for his desperately poor family to eat and it affected him deeply.
Christ, are we not damaging our enviroment enough already.

for the no alternative brigade, get a tattoo with their name, then they're with you always.

Hope so. They should be made to scour the countryside until they've all filled a bag of litter.

Exactly. They’re in your thoughts and memories. They’re always with you. The balloons aren’t needed for that.

I agree OP, it's so mindless and self-indulgent.

A wildfire was started near my home recently by a helium balloon. It hit off electricity wires, exploded and started a fire beneath.

There are alternatives. You can release bubbles, scatter flower petals, plant a tree or a plant scatter wild flower seeds.