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Health & Fitness

Up, Up and Away! Letting the Air Out of Balloons

Balloons invariably represent jubilation and joy, yet can wreak total havoc on our natural world.

Balloons have long been a symbol of commemoration and celebration – often the star decorative feature of birthday bashes, proms, anniversary parties and you-name-it galas and gatherings. What’s more festive than cheerful bouquets of brightly colored bubbles floating in the air? I’m sure most of us share childhood memories of birthday parties, amusement parks or maybe even a balloon virtuoso who magically twisted air-filled rubber into life-like creatures.

For most of us, balloons are reminiscent of happy days and fun. So here I am, feeling like a total party pooper when I say, in my opinion, ”balloons blow!” Oops, did I say that out loud? What I mean is, if they aren’t handled properly, they can wreak total havoc on our natural world. Living near the ocean keeps us aware of how something so seemingly harmless can be the absolute opposite.

See the featured photo of balloons floating in the air, that’s exactly what NOT to do. Please, please, please never release balloons! Up, up, and away? Well not really, unfortunately they don’t just go away.  All too often, balloons end up deflating and landing back down to pollute our earth and oceans.

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The sad truth is that our precious birds, dolphins, sea lions, and other wildlife can be harmed and sometimes killed by balloons. Animals like the sea turtle will frequently mistake a balloon for their favorite nosh of jellyfish. When balloons are swallowed, they can block intestinal tracks and lead to starvation. What’s more, animals become entangled in those fancy curling ribbons and strings attached to balloons.

I will resistant including photos of entangled animals or autopsy stomach content, but I will share photos of what my boyfriend pulled out of the ocean while paddle boarding recently here in Malibu. Regrettably, these are only a examples of countless balloons and balloon related debris we have collected from our ocean and beaches over the years.

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The state of California recently fought for the ban of plastic grocery bags in an effort to protect the Pacific Ocean. Are balloons next? Should they be?

My reason for writing this post is to simply help increase awareness. Summertime’s warm, sunny weather is here and beach parties and outdoor celebrations will soon be at the seasonal high. I certainly don’t think there’s anyone out there purposely choosing hot pink mylar balloons for their daughter’s birthday bash at the beach club just to deliberately drop them into the ocean. What I do believe is that there are plenty of folks out there who just aren’t thinking about it. Let’s please start thinking about it – let’s get creative and think of some balloon-free ways we can embellish our next outdoor shindig or beachside mingle. How about flowers, plants, candles, cloth ribbons, kites, wind socks or even blowing toxin-free bubbles? If sticking with the balloon theme, how about a helium-free option to quash the chance of escapee balloons. If interested, you can find more balloon-alternative ideas and additional information on the impact of balloons as well as helium by clicking here.

So here’s to everything worth celebrating, including our beautiful beaches and bountiful sea life! We all feel great when doing our part – thank you for spreading the word! 

Please enjoy the included photos of some of our local ocean residents – well deserving of safe, clean waters.

For more of Janette’s photography and words highlighting Malibu's spectacular landscapes, wildlife and more, visit volantphotographyart.com

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