Action Against Litter Newsletter – Issue 9
What are the risks?
When it comes to balloons and sky lanterns, it’s important to remember that what goes up must come down and when it does, it can be devastating to wildlife, the environment and personal property.
Single-use plastic balloon sticks are now banned in all UK countries, and balloon and sky lantern releases are not permitted anywhere on Thanet District Council land. Anyone releasing sky lanterns and balloons on council land is in breach of the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) and could receive a fine for doing so.
This is because sky lanterns can be very harmful to wildlife and the environment.
‘Biodegradable’ paper lanterns aren’t safe either. Materials such as bamboo can take decades to degrade and there’s still a risk of fire, injury and death.
Balloons marketed as ‘biodegradeable’ can last up to four years in the marine environment.
Debris from sky lanterns, and discarded balloons can entangle or trap wildlife, leading to injury or death. They can also be ingested by wildlife, dolphins, whales, turtles and seabirds have all been reported with balloons in their stomachs which has directly led to their deaths.
They also cause havoc when they fall inland, as sky lanterns which land in farmed fields can get chopped up into silage and hay, with small, needle-like parts of the frames entering the feed and causing damage to the animals who then eat it.
Sky lanterns can cause fires as they use an open flame to float. This can destroy habitats and set animal housing, feed and bedding alight, as well as causing damage to personal property with thatched roofs being particularly at risk. They can also distract or endanger aircraft.
What can you do?
Please find alternative ways to celebrate or mark an occasion.
The RSPB and Marine Conservation Society have a number of suggestions for ways to mark an occasion which does not have a negative impact on the environment or wildlife. These include using paper decorations, re-useable bags, banners and pop-ups, blowing bubbles, holding a minute’s applause and planting a tree as a wonderful way to remember a loved one.
Please visit the following websites for further information;