What I won’t do: Balloons and Sky Lantern releases

I spend a lot of time writing about things that I can do – but is there anything I won’t? 

Yes!  

Today, I’d like to specifically talk about ‘releases’. A release at the end of a ceremony can be a gorgeous symbol, and make for beautiful photos and memories.  

However, I cannot agree to be involved with any releases that involve balloons, sky lanterns or animals (which I’ll cover in another post). While they can look lovely, there are ecological or animal welfare problems with them that, ethically, I don’t agree with. 

Balloons that are released often use helium, as it is lighter than air and is what makes balloons float. However, it’s a natual resource that is used in medical and scientific applications and is currently non-renewable. As the balloons float higher, they often get brittle and shatter, sending bits of plastic to fall to the ground. These pieces can look like food to animals and sea life. Ribbons can get entangled around animals and birds – it’s just not worth the potential damage. Even ‘eco-balloons’ made of latex, which do biodegrade, take up to 6 months, in which time they can still be eaten and remain a choking hazard. 

Sky lanterns look incredible when released at night. But when they come down to earth we have the same story as with balloons – except sky lanterns also have the potential to start fires.  In fact, the RSPCA have a campaign to try to get a ban on sky lanterns in England – Wales already has a ban in place. You can read more here: #EndSkyLitter

Both of these releases can kill animals, and have a detrimental effect on the environment. 

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Alternative release ideas

Instead of balloons, why not use bubbles? You can limit the use of plastic by buying large volumes of solution or making it yourself, and they are joyful whatever your age. I’ve used them after a funeral before to send bubbles of love out into the world. They are lovely, and are a great way for children to have an active role in ceremony. 

Tie ribbons to branches or any other support, so that they can flutter and dance in the breeze. Click here for my previous blog post about the photo with the ribbons,

Alternately, you can use origami. String paper cranes together, and hang them from trees (removing them afterwards) or make paper boats and release them into a stream. Place flowers or petals into a stream to float away in a pretty and colourful parade that won’t harm any wildlife (as long as you avoid toxic flowers!) 

An alternative to sky lanterns is for everyone to light a tea light and put it into a clean jar – that way you get the light for an even longer time and can re-use the jars afterwards. 

Kites, a burning bowl, incense, eco safe sparklers, windmills, paper bunting – if you want to get creative with ideas, I’m all for it!