Mylar and latex helium balloons released outdoors end up in lakes, rivers, fields, forests and our oceans where they cause tremendous hazards to wildlife along with being a terrible source of litter. Read LWF’s resolution Restrict Helium Balloon Releases to Prevent Wildlife Deaths, Litter – Louisiana Wildlife Federation that urges lawmakers to ban this practice.
Rep. John Illg filed bill HB581 to prohibit the intentional outdoor release of filled balloons and imposes a fine on anyone caught doing so. HB581 was heard in the House Committee on Natural Resources and the Environment Wednesday, April 16 and was passed out of committee favorably. It now heads to the full House for a vote. Read the full text of HB581 HERE
To celebrate a special occasion consider these great alternatives:
- plant a memorial tree or native flower garden
- celebrate with banners or flags
- dance with streamers or ribbons
- donate to local charities
- fly kites
- make pinwheels that children can take home
- scatter wildflower seeds
- light candles at a memorial ceremony
- blow bubbles
- releasing floating flowers or flower petals on waterways
- hold a mass gathering to form a word or image to be photographed from above
- organize a commemorative walk/race/game
The possibilities are endless.
In addition to causing litter for someone else to deal with and unintentionally causing harm to animals and fish, released mylar balloons can cause significant damage to electrical circuits and power lines. Helium used in their inflation is a finite, non-renewable resource. There are several reasons to avoid releasing balloons outside.
Offshore anglers find them drifting out to see to be swallowed by fish or sea mammals or entangling them. Don’t let something like this be the final outcome of a good intention.
