A wildlife charity has said that the negative environmental impact of balloon releases cannot be overstated, as a council has issued a plea to the public to find alternative ways to remember loved ones.
Balloon and lantern releases are often used for events and memorials, and while they are often carried out with good intent, Northumberland County Council does not allow them in its own parks and green spaces. And it has now strongly discouraged people from doing so anywhere in the county, citing that once balloons are released they drop back to earth and animals can get caught in the debris causing injury, illness and suffering.
At the same time, balloons which land on water can end up in the stomachs of marine life. And though biodegradable options are available, they still take months or years to break down and can still cause pain and suffering to wildlife.
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Meanwhile, lanterns set off in warmer months can travel long distances and have been known to cause a fire risk. The council has instead suggested people pay tribute by planting a tree or flower bed, using jam jar lights, or organising a memorial walk for a chosen charity.
John Riddle, Northumberland County Councillor and cabinet member for local services, said: "We do appreciate this is a sensitive and emotional issue as balloon releases are often organised to mark the death of a loved one. However we also recognise the concerns of farmers, environmentalists, biologists and animal lovers, and their work to raise awareness of and tackle this problem."
"What we are asking is for people to use alternatives which not only create a lasting memory but do so without detriment to the local environment or wildlife."
Northumberland County Council currently declines requests from individuals and organisations who request to have balloon or lantern releases in parks and open spaces. Newcastle City Council has also banned balloon releases on its land.
Elizabeth Grieve, Wilder Northumberland Development Officer at Northumberland Wildlife Trust, said: "The trust is strongly opposed to the releasing of balloons. Their negative environmental impact cannot be overstated.
"They are so damaging to the environment, livestock, marine and terrestrial animals. We often find them on our very remote reserves, and their materials mean they take years to degrade."
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