There’s nothing romantic about flying balloons and Chinese lanterns: I’ll show you the dark side of this crazy trend

The release of helium balloons has become a widespread practice at parties, birthdays and celebrations of all kinds, often considered a symbol of joy and lightness. Recently, a shared video of singer Nicki Nicole and footballer Lamine Yamal launching heart-shaped balloons from a yacht reignited the debate about their environmental impact. What many don’t consider is that these seemingly harmless, sweet and “cute” objects can actually have serious consequences for the ecosystem.

The consequences for marine fauna

According to experts, balloons can reach a height of up to 10 km, remain suspended in the air for 24 hours and travel up to 3,000 kilometers before falling back to the ground or sea. When these balloons fall, they often do so partially deflated, becoming a real risk for animals. The Foundation for Assistance and Action in Defense of Animals (FAADA) reports that at least 10% of balloons that end up in the environment represent a direct danger to terrestrial and marine fauna.

One of the most obvious examples is that of sea turtles, which can confuse balloons with jellyfish and ingest them, risking suffocation or fatal intestinal obstructions. Other land animals can also become trapped or injured by strings and ribbons tied to balloons. This type of pollution isn’t limited to visible debris: Balloon material can take years to degrade, contributing to the buildup of microplastics in oceans and natural ecosystems.

The risks also of Chinese lanterns

Some regions have already taken legislative measures to limit or ban the practice of releasing balloons, promoting safer alternatives such as reusable decorations or biodegradable lanterns with measures to prevent fires.

In addition to balloons, Chinese lanterns can also pose a risk: in addition to becoming beached waste, they can cause forest fires and material damage. The most striking example occurred in 2013, when a lantern fell on a recycling plant in Smethwick (UK), causing a fire that attracted over 200 firefighters and became the largest intervention in that area.

The trend of throwing objects into the air, although symbolic, must be replaced by an environmental awareness, choosing solutions that create dangerous situations. Raising awareness of the risks and proposing sustainable alternatives represents a fundamental step to reduce the impact of these festive practices on the global ecosystem. Celebrating with awareness means taking care of the planet, protecting animals and habitats even in small daily gestures.

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