Can a Story About Litter Be Lovable?

This wholesome news about two little girls receiving a response to their letters to Santa sent via balloon demonstrates unintended consequences of balloon releases. In addition to the generous stranger in this story that provided the girls a gift that their family couldn’t afford due to the pandemic, the do-gooder was initially picking up other peoples’ trash (i.e. deflated balloon). The mother is said to have “thought it would deflate and disappear in a tree nearby”. Balloons do not disappear, but this is a common misconception! Because the family’s balloon was found by a Good Samaritan, thankfully a positive story came about. Unfortunately, this is not what we often see in our environment (see photo below). Like the mother initially thought, many deflated balloons end up caught in trees or trapped in streams. Check out the article to learn more about the incredible story of a balloon taking a 650 mile from Kansas to Louisiana.

Get Green At Gatherings

We are entering into celebration season! From proms, to weddings, to graduations, balloons are often a big part of events. But want to know a crazy statistic? This article estimates an average of 31,000 balloons as found along U.S. beaches PER YEAR. Celebrations, especially after such a challenging year, will be central to our lives. However, wildlife should not be the ones who pay for the consequences of our actions. After balloons are used (and oftentimes intentionally released in large numbers), they become an environmental hazard to animals because they look like food to animals; for example, sea turtles think brightly colored balloons look like their favorite food, jellyfish! Not only do these balloons end up inside animals’ stomachs, they also are eyesore in local waterways. Think about how your celebration this year can keep balloons out of the environment and wildlife’s stomachs. What’s more, let your local politicians know you support the legislation recently passed in Virginia (see below).

More Balloons, More Problems: Virginia Takes On Intentional Balloon Release

What do we do about all these balloons that don’t get picked up by a Good Samaritan? Virginia lawmakers have passed legislation that bans the intentional release of all non- biodegradable balloons and fine offenders $25 per balloon. Environmentalists know that balloon litter is common in our waterways and causes harm to marine and freshwater animals. While balloons are central to many celebrations, more green options exist so that people AND the planet can have a good time. Check out more information on eco-friendly celebration options.

Refuse to Lose to Climate Change

Amanda Gorman, American Youth Poet Laureate who spoke at President Biden’s inauguration, recently shared a special piece of work to celebrate Earth Day. She was selected to speak by Dr. Jill Biden, is a Harvard graduate, and has also performed at a United Nations summit and on Good Morning America. Check out the link to hear the incredibly inspiring Earth Day video that calls us to rise up for the Earth.