... to feel really angry every time I see balloons being released into the sky

So sorry PaddyannI had a still birth as well, and your story about the little girl asking about the baby catching the balloon is poignant.
If the balloon release brings comfort to people I have no objection, it is not done that often and a lot of it is done in town's and cities. I think we need to get things in proportion.

I imagine anything that entails another living creature like a butterfly or dove would be frowned upon. I suppose I'm thinking along the lines of how offerings are made on the Ganges, that kind of thing.

mosaicwarts
I agree completely.

rafichagran you have my sincerest condolences,its amazing what comfort is had from watching a balloon drift away from you ,its truly a release of emotion that you dont expect .I wont take part if doves are used as I'm terrified of birds so my annual tribute to my lost babies is finished .Sad.

I hope all you virtue signallers do not drive a car or do anything that can harm the environment.
The release of the balloons bought comfort to a bereaved Mother. She did nothing wrong.
Paint a pebble, release doves, how bloody patronising.

Suedonim our balloon release was in the city centre ,there has been the idea of releasing butterflies but some dont agree with that either

Well done those children!
They are far more aware than many adults.

Release a dove?
Paint a lovely pebble?

Releasing plastic litter into the air is very wrong and everyone should now be aware of this. What goes up must come down, and people that release balloons do not see the effect on wildlife or the environment when they come down, as they are often miles and miles away.

A local charity for autism were going to do a balloon release and I'm glad to say they agreed to cancel it due to the children involved being upset about it because of the impact on wildlife and the environment.

I've seen the results for myself, as well as tragic photographs on Facebook. I live on the Northumberland coast and walk the beach every day. I have regularly found dead seabirds, especially puffins, entangled in balloon ribbons, often with the seawater filled helium balloon still attached. An awful death not witnessed by the person releasing the balloon.

Balloon releasers are supposed to cut the string to 5 cm before release, they never are.

It is just free littering.

I would like to see balloons and lanterns banned and have signed many petitions.

Doves?

rafichagran nailed it. ?

We have horses, balloons and lanterns releases are dangerous to wildlife and livestock.

I think the problem is we are in a serious global environmental mess and everyone is clamouring that their particular pleasure is harmless.

They would be right - if it was only they who were releasing balloons, driving gas-guzzlers, frequently long-haul flying, eating meat daily, sending tons of plastic to landfill, watering their lawns, heating their patios etc etc. Very few wish to voluntarily relinquish their particular pleasure for the "greater good". Something needs to change so that people will feel that the chance of our collective survival is worth the small personal sacrifices.

FFS
Have you got nothing more in your lives than to complain and moan about something that brings comfort and pleasure to others

My step Grandaughter died and balloons were released after her funeral. She was severely disabled. The sight of her friends in wheelchairs being pushed by their carers and the comfort it bought to her Mother is something I will never forget.

Yes the planet is important but for goodness sake let's not ban everything. I think some of you look for things to be angry about. In fact this thread has pissed me of. Just because some of you would not do it does not mean it is wrong.

I can't think when I last saw balloons being released anywhere. It must be years ago. I'd probably be upset and disappointed but not 'really angry' which seems fairly pointless.

Paddyann is there something similar to a balloon release that could be created on water, say on a river, where it would get carried along to the great yonder? I wonder what would be pretty but also environmentally friendly?

If anyone released any balloons in my memory I would haunt the b*****ds! Just look at the google images of wildlife killed by balloons and then say "I don't have a problem with it"

I hadn’t realised that helium is a non renewable resource. Mind you not sure I had thought about it at all which is bad!

Balloons are completely unnecessary and there are alternatives . So I’m happy to ditch them.

MamaC- no, you are not the only one. We live next to a Church and they love to release loads of balloons for weddings- within seconds lots are stuck in the trees, then they fly south over the mountain and most get stuck in the forest trees- the rest go on over the Alps and many get stuck there - and the rest goes on further and end up in the Med- killing birds and all sorts of wildlife- the cord strangling them, fish and mammals.

There is just no need - people should know better now, for sure.

They have the potential to do a lot of harm, so I guess it's about education. Times are a changing.

I agree, MamaCaz, and the Chinese lanterns.

Yes, we need to find something else, paddyann

MamaCaz just to explain, I live in a very rural part of North Devon, so cannot remember the last time I saw this.

I get annoyed now about balloons being released - and those lanterns that became popular. At one time I wouldn't have worried but now that I know how much harm they can do to animals I think it's time we found an alternative. Nothing wrong with balloons that aren't let loose and which are disposed of properly.

some THING simple

I know that Glasgow SANDS has cancelled their annual balloon release .I understand the reasoning but as a bereaved parent I got so much comfort from the releases I attended.The first left many of us in floods of tears when a wee girl asked her mum if THEIR baby would catch his balloon."YES,she said,he;s hiding behind a cloud and he'll pop out and grab it ". I know the environment issues are against it but its sad that someone simple that can give comfort to people has to end .We'll need to find something else that will help as much as a balloon floating off into the sky.

I know that Glasgow SANDS has cancelled their annual balloon release .I understand the reasoning but as a bereaved parent I got so much comfort from the releases I attended.The first left many of us in floods of tears when a wee girl asked her mum if THEIR baby would catch his balloon."YES,she said,he;s hiding behind a cloud and he'll pop out and grab it ". I know the environment issues are against it but its sad that someone simple that can give comfort to people has to end .We'll need to find something else that will help as much as a balloon floating off into the sky.