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

Toad??? I meant road!

Sorry, don't have a problem with this, doesn't happen that often, many other things that warrant more worry.

Really? Maybe it's just me then!

I saw a cow in a field once, choking on a piece of plastic sacking the farmer had obviously left carelessly about. I know two wrongs don't make a right though. Perhaps it's ok so long as it's nowhere near the coast.

Actually no. It's just more unnecessaryplastic. But I wouldn't want to see all balloons banned. The odd one or two for someone's birthday is nic.

Hard to know where to draw the line with this plastic thing.

No, mama it’s not just you.
I think that most people who have an understanding of the countryside and the animals that live in it would agree with you.

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.

some THING simple

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.

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

I agree, MamaCaz, and the Chinese lanterns.

Yes, we need to find something else, paddyann

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

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.

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

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!

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 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?

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 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.

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

rafichagran nailed it. ?

Doves?

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.