Balloon releases are often used as a way to commemorate or celebrate events or people, but what goes up must come down, and often with disastrous consequences.
One resident recently highlighted how a balloon had left residents in their neighborhood without power during a 105 °F heatwave, forcing people to be exposed to unbearable heat.
Posting on Reddit, the resident explained that a balloon had landed on a power line and shorted out the transformer, leaving over 100 people without power. "Please don't release balloons. They don't go to heaven. They land on power lines and start fires, and get fatally ingested by wildlife," the OP wrote.
Heat waves have been impacting much of the U.S and Europe this summer, causing people to be exposed to unusually high temperatures that are becoming more normal as the planet continues to heat up. Having a reliable power source during these hot temperatures is important to enable people to access cooling methods like air conditioning and fans, and also to access information and emergency services.
The power outage described here was avoidable and is another example of the dangers associated with balloon releases. In addition to causing damage to infrastructure when they fall back to earth, balloons litter the environment, often ending up in waterways and the ocean. They pose a significant danger to wildlife that often ingest them or get tangled up in their strings.
Several states, including Florida and Maryland, have banned the release of balloons due to the danger they cause. However, in other places, these releases can still go ahead, so it's important to make people aware of the harm they can cause to people and the planet. There are lots of alternatives to balloon releases that won't harm the environment, including planting a tree or flowers, blowing bubbles, or using natural confetti made from flower petals.
"Exact same thing happened when our class released balloons during graduation, people should come up with something different," wrote one person in the comments section.
While another shared their dismay, writing, "This is just crossing the line."
|
What do you worry about most during a power outage? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
The temperature in my home 🌡️ 
Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Cool Picks
