Balloons!

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Balloons! Something that represents 'joy' right? Whether it is a Birthday, Anniversary, Christmas or New Year, we resonate balloons with celebrations. It has become an integral part of celebrations. 


But have we ever had an 'afterthought'? What do we usually do with the balloons after our celebrations? Obviously, we don't preserve it. Even if we don't burst them, they will burst on their own. Then what is the point? Have we ever thought of its side effects? Why will we? It is a tiny thing, right? It is just a balloon. Why think about its side effects. Now they are making us happy, that's it. 



One such incident I experienced was on New Year's Eve. There are many such places in Pune where all the citizens gather on certain roads like FC Road, MG Road etc. to celebrate New Year. How? Well by releasing balloons.


Wow so much fun, right? I don't understand what people get by doing this? Happiness for a second? Like seriously? 

Why do educated people keep doing this? On one side, we share stories and posts about saving the environment; on the other, we keep doing stupid stuff like this. That night I was there to experience the hype. But, was it worth it? For me, no. But other people might enjoy it. But enjoy what? Harming the environment on the first day of the year? Anyways, it is their choice and I am no one to tell them what to do and what not. 

When the people were busy taking selfies and videos after releasing the balloons, my focus was on the trees. 

For a few days, they were stuck there. And then? Well, the cows or any other animal would have easily swallowed it. If not, the waste picker would have collected them during daily cleaning. But do they get properly decomposed or managed? It still remains the question.


Danger of Balloon Releases 

(According to The Balloon Council)
Foil balloons are created from a film made of plastic and metal and are not biodegradable. These balloons are also not recyclable and must be disposed of properly in the garbage.

Latex balloons and latex products are made of sap from the rubber tree, and this naturally occurring substance is 100% biodegradable. However, during the manufacturing process, other chemicals are added to the sap to manufacture the balloon, such as colour pigments.

A latex balloon will eventually biodegrade because it breaks down when exposed to the elements of nature. It will take many, many years for it to decompose. These balloons are not recyclable and it is best to dispose of them in the garbage. 

The hype for balloons specially the foil balloons is increasing day by day. 



Environmental effects

    Litter: Balloons can end up in waterways, oceans, and other landscapes. They can take years to break down.

    Helium waste: Balloons use helium, a finite resource that's also used in medical procedures.

Wildlife effects  
    Choking: Balloons can block the airways of animals.

    Entanglement: Balloon strings can entangle animals, making it hard for them to move.

    Ingestion: Animals can mistake balloons for food, which can harm or kill them. For example, turtles have been found to eat burst balloons because they look like jellyfish.


Accidents
    Power outages: Released balloons can cause accidents and power outages.

    Suffocation: Balloons can mould to the throat and lungs, blocking breathing.

Sea turtles mistake latex balloons for jellyfish and many dead turtles are found with latex balloons in their stomachs.




Alternatives
  • Balloon releases should always take place inside with air-filled balloons.
  • Other ways to remember loved ones or to celebrate a special occasion are virtual balloon releases, dove releases, floating flowers down moving water, planting trees, lighting candles, bubbles, kites, butterflies, etc.
  • Planting in remembrance
  • Drumming
  • Floating flowers
  • Wildflower seed bombs
  • Jumping rope, running, or walking for a cause
  • Candle-lighting
  • Blowing bubbles
  • Book and food drives

I guess it is the time to seriously literate people about their all-time favourite 'Ballons'.

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