Man shares video after making upsetting discovery on forest walk: 'Dangerous in so many ways'

One TikTok turned a walk in the woods into a serious wake-up call about a celebration habit that can cause lasting damage to wildlife and the environment.

In the clip, posted by TikToker Earthdr0p (@earthdr0p), a man picks up a deflated foil balloon tangled in leaves deep in the woods. The balloon, decorated with a large "50," was likely released during a birthday or anniversary celebration.

"Ever let off balloons to mark an occasion or commemorate a family member?" he asked. "Because this is where they end up…"

@earthdr0p no judgement here, just a chance to consider the repercussions 🦌🦔🏞🌏 #balloon #release #fyp ♬ Slideshow - 😶‍🌫️

While balloon releases might feel meaningful in the moment, they come with long-lasting consequences. 

One cause for concern is the understanding that helium is a limited natural resource. This concern had caused representatives from Connecticut to debate the banning of the sale of helium balloons earlier this year, following a precedent that Florida had already set. 

Perhaps even more importantly, once balloons drift back to the ground, they often land in forests, fields, and waterways, where they can be deadly to animals.

The Wildlife Center of Virginia has warned that balloon fragments are one of the most lethal types of litter for seabirds. A 2019 study found that birds that ingest balloon pieces are 32 times more likely to die than if they swallowed other types of plastic.

The danger doesn't stop there. Farmers often deal with balloons blowing onto their land, where livestock can accidentally eat the debris. 

One commenter on the TikTok summed it up: "As a farmer with livestock, these are a nightmare!"

Others echoed the concern: "They are dangerous in so many ways," one user wrote. 

Do you worry about having toxic forever chemicals in your home? Majorly 😥 Sometimes 😟 Not really 😐 I don't know enough about them 🤷 Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

Another added, "It's not just the plastic that litters and is eaten by cattle, it's the wanton waste of helium, a limited resource."

Fortunately, alternatives to balloon releases are catching on. Many have switched to biodegradable paper lanterns instead of releasing balloons. Creating lasting memories is important, but you can do so without leaving dangerous litter behind!

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