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

You can get biodegradable balloons now, whether they are truly suitable or not I don't know, but I do know that there is something very symbolic to the release into the air

While we're on the subject, what about fireworks? I think they should be restricted to well advertised public displays. In the countryside near wedding venues they go off two or three times a week. I know at least three horses who have died from running into fences in panic. To say nothing of panicking domestic animals. Where I used to live there would be six weeks of fireworks - at least with the public ones which I knew about I could get animals in and medicate them if necessary.

Our local hospice organise a butterfly release every year - that’s far more environmentally friendly.

It’smyfirstrodeo, unless they biodegrade very very quickly I can’t see how they could stop causing damage.
My friend has a garden centre and was telling me that some growers use biodegradable pots.
Unfortunately they need very specific conditions before they biodegrade.

This is proof of the result in Scotland of balloon releases. Our wild places contaminated by plastic.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-48838541

I thought most people were educated about the environment sufficiently these days to find an alternative to balloon releases. I think it’s an awful thing to do.

www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7212387/Scottish-farmer-posts-furious-Twitter-message-saving-calf-choking-5ft-balloon.html