March 31, 2017 – Illinois, USA – The Montessori Children’s Centre in had planned to release balloons for their 20th year celebration. At first, the false marketing of the balloon industry had them believing latex balloons are biodegradable & eco-friendly. Thankfully, our friend Amanda was not afraid to speak up. She sent a polite informative note, warning them of the greenwashing of latex balloons. We sent them a follow-up email & they confirmed no balloons would be released. Much respect to Amanda for taking action & to the school for quickly altering their plans!
March 31, 2017 – UK – The Guilford Institute in the UK had planned a ‘balloon race’ as part of their 125-year celebration. At first, they had fallen victim of the balloon industry’s crafty marketing. They were lured into believing latex balloons with paper tags were biodegradable & eco-friendly. After reviewing new information, they removed the balloons from the festivities. Much respect to those who took action to help educate & to the school for altering their plans.
January 27, 2017 – Michigan, USA – Saint Joseph Mercy Health System had planned to release sky lanterns at their Healthy Kick-Off & Luminary Walk this Saturday in Ypsilanti, Michigan. At first, they believed the false claims of the sky lantern seller – that sky lanterns are “biodegradable.” Once they understood the chemically treated paper, fuel cell, metal wires, & bamboo rings last as pollution in the environment & that sky lanterns are uncontrollable fire hazards, they quickly altered their plans. Luminaries will light the way at their event instead!
January 26, 2017 – Florida, USA – Our 9-year-old friend Lily in Florida was dismayed to find her Sunday school was planning a balloon release. She explained to her teachers how balloons become ugly litter & harm our animal friends. They quickly agreed they should omit the balloon release from their activities.
January 23, 2017 – West Virginia, USA – The Relay for Life of West Virginia University had planned a balloon release at their event today. Just being alerted last night, we had no time to spare. We posted a polite comment on their Facebook page & sent an email. Within minutes we received a positive reply.
January 20, 2017 – Colorado, USA – Balloon releases were planned today at 16 high schools in Jefferson County Colorado for a Day Without Hate event to promote unity. Thankfully, once they learned that their so-called “biodegradable” latex balloons would still become deadly litter in the environment, they altered the event. Much respect to all at Jeffco Public Schools ~ Colorado for altering plans within hours of the event. We are thankful for all those who added their voice. They have come up with some great alternatives.. a mass bubble blowing.. “bubbles to release your troubles”, & lining the hallways with positive messages.
December 24, 2016 – Liverpool, England – Thanks to all who added their voice, Radio City 2 in Liverpool has made last night’s balloon release their last – ending the annual tradition. They’ve put out a statement : “UPDATE: Following the balloon release last night, we plan to make a donation to Greenpeace to support environmental championing in acknowledgement of the feedback we received. We will also be establishing an alternative way to commemorate Liverpool’s lost loved ones in 2017.” Radio City 2
October 31, 2016 – London, England – Our friend Justyn in the UK was troubled to learn some of the Walking Dead fans & cosplayers were planning to release balloons during Comic Con in London as a tribute to recently deceased characters. He took action, sharing our website & urging others to educate themselves. While at the event Justyn also educated others, asking them to kindly keep their balloons. Thankfully his efforts were successful! He was happy to report good sense ruled the day.. Helium was omitted, & the air-filled balloons were not released.
October 3, 2016 – Texas, USA – Wally W. Watkins Elementary PTA had planned to include a destructive balloon release at a HOPE event this week at Wally W. Watkins Elementary School.. teaching all the students tossing this especially deadly garbage is acceptable. After our polite emails to the principal & Wylie ISD superintendent went unanswered & our phone calls revealed both had no plans to alter the event, we posted a “mass littering alert’. Thankfully, with the help of the global community, they were forced to act responsibly. Much respect to all who added their voice. We are hopeful the Principal will now teach her students why we don’t toss balloons into the environment & allows them to become part of the solution to balloon pollution with environmentally friendly alternatives.
September 27, 2016 – Missouri, USA – Saint Luke’s Health System was planning to include a balloon release for the first time at their annual ‘Wright Run 5k/10k’ in Trenton Missouri this Saturday. One quick phone call to the Wright Memorial Hospital Foundation, who hosts the event, & they quickly omitted the balloon release – opting for bubbles! They thanked us for reaching out & were appreciative of the info we provided, assuring us they strive to be good stewards of our environment & wildlife.
September 22, 2016 – Maine, USA – Some students at the University of New England on the beautiful coast of Maine, along with their Resident Advisors, had planned to include a destructive balloon release at an event this Saturday. Unfortunately, they had been mislead by crafty marketing of balloon sellers & thought their balloons would harmlessly biodegrade. Thankfully, other students took action & we were able to provide them with the facts & alternatives from our website – The balloons have been replaced by a mass bubble blowing!
September 16, 2016 – Massachusetts, USA – So thankful Steppingstone Incorporated in Massachusetts quickly altered their September 30th event! They were eager to remove the balloon release from their ‘National Recovery Month” celebration once they learned the truth about latex balloons, stating, “Thank you all for sharing your concern and helping to educate us. We were unaware and thought by using biodegradable balloons we were being environmentally friendly. We have removed the balloon release portion from our event and updated our flyer to reflect the change.”
September 14, 2016 – West Virginia, USA – Much respect to Brooke High in West Virginia & the superintendent of Brooke County Schools for their quick action to alter a balloon release that was set to happen next Friday. A balloon release was planned in memory of a school member to raise funds for the Magee-Womens Research Institute & Foundation (who also urged them not to have a balloon release when they were made aware of the event). After a few e-mails & phone calls, the balloon release has been altered to a pink ribbon event!
September 9, 2016 – Florida, USA – Our friend BEACH JUNKI & others in the Fernandina Beach area were troubled to find Walmart Fernandina Beach was planning to sell & release balloons to benefit Children’s Miracle Network – Jacksonville (who was unaware of the event). After contacting Walmart & alerting them of the hazards & the Florida statute 379.233, they quickly omitted the balloon release from their fundraiser. Children’s Miracle Network – Jacksonville also made certain a balloon release would not occur to benefit them.
September 8, 2016 – Ireland – Our friends in Ireland, the Friends of the Irish Environment, were successful at preventing yet another mass littering event. Thanks to their awesome efforts, the Cork Association for Autism has altered their event to no longer include their traditional balloon release.
September 1, 2016 – Tennessee, USA – Sherry’s Run in Tennessee has finally agreed to omit the destructive balloon release from their event. We kindly provided them information ten days ago, but it wasn’t until today when the global community added their voices, they conceded Their annual event, where they release 4,000 balloons, has scoffed Tennessee’s 26 year old balloon release law, which gives a $250 fine for each/every balloon over 25. We are pleased that many Tennessee law enforcement now are aware of this law.
August 29, 2016 – Arizona, USA – A veteran’s group in Arizona was excited to have Liberty Wildlife bring one of their resident eagles to their event. Unfortunately, they had also planned a balloon release at the event. Once our friends explained the hazardous litter released balloons become, & how they could not bring wildlife to an event that included them, they quickly adjusted their plans to omit the balloons. The event went off well. Instead of having a negative effect on wildlife, it was positive – The veterans donated the money they were going to blow on balloons to the wildlife rehab.
August 24, 2016 – Bratislava, Slovakia – Democracy International, based in Germany, had just begun to make plans to release hundreds of balloons at the EU summit in Bratislava, Slovakia on September 16th – where they’ll deliver their petition to leaders. Fortunately, once learning of the destructive effects, they immediately ditched that plan. They are now seeking an environmentally friendly way to bring attention to their work towards a democratic EU relaunch.
August 19, 2016 – Iowa, USA – Despite efforts from concerned locals to have Above & Beyond Home Health & Hospice omit the destructive balloon release from their August 28th event, they were determined to perform the aerial littering. It was unfortunate, while continuing to ignore polite pleas & offers of thoughtful alternatives, they began deceiving the local community by posting the balloon industry’s lies about so-called ‘biodegradable’ balloons. Thankfully, after posting our ‘mass littering alert’, the global community made their voices heard & it only took a short time for them to omit the balloon release from the event. They instead wrote their messages on ‘wishing’ stones.
August 19, 2016 – New York, USA – Red Balloon 4 Heart Defects had planned to release hundreds of balloons at their Saturday morning event at beautiful Otsiningo Park in New York. After the voice of concerned locals were joined by the global community, where we also urged county officials not to permit this aerial littering at their parks, they have omitted the balloon release from their event. Sadly, balloons will remain as the focus of the group – promoting the waste of Helium. This finite resource is required for life-saving medical procedures, including ventilators & MRIs – needed to help those suffering from heart defects. They also continue to encourage others to put balloons in the hands of babies & young children.. extremely dangerous! Serious injuries & death can result if a balloon bursts at close range. Sadly, campaigns that revolve around balloons, mostly benefit the billion dollar balloon industry. But we are certainly happy the global community was able to avert another mass littering event!
August 17, 2016 – Ohio, USA – Brookdale Piqua in Ohio had planned to release hundreds of balloons this Friday at a fundraising event. After our polite plea went ignored & we were blocked from their page, we posted the ‘mass littering alert’.. Less than an hour later, after hearing from many of our friends, they omitted the balloon release from their event!
August 5, 2016 – Michigan, USA – The Saginaw Survivors of Suicide non-profit organization in Michigan was planning to include a destructive balloon release at their Walk for Hope: Depression and Suicide Awareness event at Northwood University. While the organization refused to address concerns from the local & global community, Northwood University stepped in to prevent the mass aerial littering from occurring at their school.
August 1, 2016 – West Virginia, USA – The Relay For Life-Ohio County in West Virginia was planning to include a balloon release at their event next weekend at beautiful Wheeling Park. Once they learned of the destructive effects, they omitted the balloon release from the event.
July 8, 2016 – Nebraska, USA – The YMCA of Greater Omaha Nebraska had planned a balloon release. They were attempting to recruit members of the community to release the balloons at a beautiful local park during tomorrow’s celebration to commemorate 150 years of the YMCA. Never receiving a reply from our polite & informative emails, we posted a ‘mass littering alert’. They continued to recite balloon industry lies, referring to their latex balloons & cotton strings as “environmentally friendly”. Finally, after hearing from the global community & contacting town officials, they altered the event.
June 18, 2016 – Florida, USA – Our friends at Pride-SWFL Inc. in Florida have planned a touching candlelight tribute tonight at Centennial Park In Fort Meyers to honor our brothers & sisters in Orlando. Many businesses have donated goods for the vigil. Thankfully, when Sky King donated 100 sky lanterns to be set off during the event, they returned them – as they are an environmentally responsible organization & don’t release balloons or sky lanterns at their events.
June 15, 2016 – Colorado, USA – The folks at the Resthaven Funeral Home in Colorado had planned a balloon release tonight as a tribute to our friends in Orlando. After a few people pointed out the destructive results, they quickly altered the event. The Fort Collins community will instead hold a candlelight vigil.
June 7, 2016 – Catalonia, Spain – Our friend Emi in Spain took action to prevent the annual balloon release at her son’s school in beautiful Catalonia. She contacted the director who was simply not aware of how destructive balloons are in the environment. Only three days prior to the celebration the director altered the event. They chose to use the balloons without the Helium, preventing them from becoming flyaway hazards. They decorated with the air-filled balloons instead, where they could be disposed responsibly at the end of their use. Not only did the director halt the balloon release, she sent an email out to the entire school explaining the negative consequences for wildlife & the environment. One voice can make a world of difference.
June 3, 2016 – United Kingdom – The Teddington School PTA in the UK was planning to include a balloon release during the ‘Teddington Music Festival’ just outside of London. For a bit, they believed their balloon providers deceptive marketing practices & announced they were having a ‘biodegradable balloon release’. Thankfully, once shown the truth, they quickly ditched the balloons from their event.
June 3, 2016 – Cumbria, United Kingdom – Milburns Solicitors Workington in Cumbria UK were fixed to release hundreds of tagged balloons for their ‘balloon race’ during the ‘Paint the Town Red’ celebration this weekend. Thankfully, after the Workington Town Council learned of the destructive effects, they were quick to advise against the release of balloons.
June 1, 2016 – Nottingham, United Kingdom – The good folks at Treetops Hospice Care in Nottingham, United Kingdom had planned to release balloons with messages at their June 17th ‘Moonlight Walk’. Instead, a beautiful Memorial Bunting will grace their twilight event – sharing their messages and memories in a visual display.
May 24, 2016 – Missouri, USA – Baue Funeral Homes, Crematory, and Memorial Gardens in Missouri quickly omitted the balloon release from their memorial event once they learned of the negative results. Instead, a new ‘Memorial Planting Ceremony’ will take the place of the balloon release. This thoughtful tribute will leave a colorful & lasting memorial in a wildflower garden area at the cemetery for families to contribute to for years to come.
Lisa Baue, President and owner of Baue states: “Despite assurances by the balloon manufacturers that they are not harmful, we have discovered research that clearly shows they are not safe for our environment. We believe it is the right thing to do, to discontinue releasing balloons. We have an obligation to protect the wildlife and waterways in our community and others.”
May 9, 2016 – New Mexico, USA – Good work from our young friends of Girl Scout Troop 56224 in Deming, New Mexico! The Cancer Support of Deming & Luna County holds an annual ‘Celebration of Life’ cancer walk, & were planning to “bring back the balloon release”. After receiving their ‘BB Action Pack‘ & ‘making the promise’ themselves, the girls used some information from our website & made a presentation to the board members. Thankfully, they decided to omit the balloon release & instead post small flags as a visual to honor & remember loved ones fighting cancer. Such a touching tribute. The girls from Troop 56224 were there to help pick up the flags after the event.
May 4, 2016 – Pennsylvania, USA – Once the good people at No More Pain, Inc. in Pennsylvania learned how wasteful & destructive balloon releases are, they were eager to find an alternative. A touching rose pedal ceremony will take place instead.
April 29, 2016 – United Kingdom – When our friend Hilary in the UK heard her school was planning to release balloons as a finale to a day learning about flight – she urged them to reconsider. Challenged with coming up with a suitable alternative, she suggested a giant bubble display. Thankfully this large school, just outside Liverpool, altered their plans & had fabulous bubble fun, enjoyed by all!
April 28, 2016 – Connecticut, USA – Mad Mike of the ICS New England Regional Chili Cookoff had plans to release 1,000 balloons during this Saturday’s event in beautiful Somers, Connecticut. Although he had been contacted by concerned locals, he laughed them off & continued to promote his balloon release. When we informed him of the law & urged him not to release balloons he accused us of being “eco-terrorist” & sent insulting messages. Thankfully, after we posted, our friends joined in & insisted he omit the destructive & illegal balloon release from the event – and he did!
April 19, 2016 – England – When our friend James in England heard Speccies Darlington had planned a balloon release to mark the opening of their new store, he simply shared our website on their Facebook page & politely urged them to reconsider. They quickly agreed “as a responsible business owner” they should omit the balloon release from their celebration.
April 18, 2016 – Ohio, USA – The good people at Ohio Valley College of Technology were quick to alter their event when they learned the truth about balloons. Their event to benefit the ‘Make-a Wish’ foundation will now include bubbles, sidewalk chalk, & a garden!
April 18, 2016 – Florida, USA – Our friend Michelle in Florida heard a local athletic association had planned a memorial balloon release after losing a young member. She took action, contacting the group to educate them on the litter, harm to animals, and the laws in the State of Florida. Thankfully the group instead dedicated a ball field in the child’s honor. Such a wonderful tribute!
April 15, 2016 – Colorado, USA – Our friend Donna in Colorado learned a balloon release was planned for a celebration of life memorial. She quickly alerted the organizers of the unintended results, & they simply altered the event – they’ll be blowing bubbles!
April 14, 2016 – Missouri, USA – Our friend Sandi in Missouri noticed a balloon release was being sponsored by a local law firm for the ‘Peculiar Days’ celebration. She contacted the lawyer and posted on a local community page the information & links to our website about why they should consider changing the event. In only a few hours, she was told they will find an environmentally safe alternative.
April 13, 2016 – USA – A balloon release was being planned by an anti-death penalty group. The April 19th balloon release was to be a symbolic gesture expressing their hope for the release of Dzhokhar Tsarnaev from death row. Immediately after learning the destructive effects, the organizers omitted the balloons & opted to plant ‘forget-me-nots’ & trees instead. We are thankful for their quick action to explain to their supporters balloons will not be a part of their campaign.
April 12, 2016 – Indiana, USA – The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office in Indianapolis, Indiana had planned to release balloons at an event to honor victims of violence. After posting the event on their Facebook page a few people commented, informing them of the destructive results & offering thoughtful alternatives. The prosecutor’s office was quick to reply they would omit the balloon release from the event.
April 8, 2016 – Australia – Our young friend Micaela in Australia was at a birthday party last weekend where the mother of the birthday girl was suggesting all 20 girls release balloons she had provided them. Aware of how destructive balloons are in the environment, she urged all at the party to keep their balloons down & dispose of them properly. The group of girls were pleased to be informed & happy to help protect their animal friends.
April 7, 2016 – Canada – When our friend Michelle in Manitoba learned the Canadian Cancer Society performed balloon releases at their annual relay days, she contacted them – sharing her concerns & offering alternative ideas. Thankfully, they agreed to alter their event & will now use bubbles at their next relay & those after!
April 6, 2016 – Gibraltar – For decades, the Gibraltar National Day celebrations have included a destructive mass balloon
release. Years of releasing tens of thousands of balloons has finally ended! Many people spoke out against the aerial littering, but it continued. With added pressure from the global community, the ‘Self Determination for Gibraltar Group’ – the group responsible for the balloon release, announced balloon releases will no longer be a part of their festivities!
April 1, 2016 – North East England – Autism Northumberland had planned a balloon release in beautiful North East England. Unfortunately, their balloon provider had them convinced if they followed their industry created ‘guidelines’, this deliberate littering would be acceptable. The balloon industry’s bogus guidelines promote balloon releases using latex balloons with no strings as ‘environmentally friendly’ – they use deceptive marketing tactics, tricking groups into purchasing their product just to toss it into the environment en mass. We are so very thankful for those that continue to urge organizations to be mindful not to pollute the planet & threaten other beings as they bring awareness or raise funds. Much respect to all who spoke up, & to Autism Northumberland for altering their event.
March 15, 2016 – West Yorkshire, England – Our friend Lauran in the UK was troubled to hear her child’s nursery school, in beautiful West Yorkshire, was planning a balloon release. She simply contacted the head teacher & explained the destructive effects of balloon releases & they eagerly altered the event!
March 14, 2016 – Ireland – Our friend Caitriona in Ireland was troubled to learn her daughter’s school had planned a balloon release to commemorate the 1916 Easter Rising. She went straight to the principal. Her daughter decided if the school went through with it, she would not participate. Thankfully, after further consideration, the principal assured her they would omit the balloon release & will choose an alternative to honor this day.
March 11, 2016 – Florida, USA – For 10 years St. Baldricks Brevard in Florida performed a destructive &, in Florida, illegal balloon release at their head-shaving event at The Avenue Viera in Melbourne. We emailed & tweeted them, but they ignored us. With this year’s event occurring tomorrow, our mother called the organizer to make certain they would not release balloons & also called the general manager of the venue. Both men were extremely rude, but they did assure her there will not be a balloon release. Although the organizer did try to justify his balloon release & the hundreds of dollars spent on finite Helium to fill the skytrash. Our mom admits, it was difficult for her to keep her composure as the man on the line insulted her daughters & our work, & accused her of lying. Regardless, she’s a tough cat & feels the abuse is worth it because she just prevented a whole lot of flyaway deathtraps from entering the environment.
February 26, 2016 – Nevada, USA – A balloon release was planned in Nevada at the Silver Sands Montessori Charter School. Thankfully, some families spoke up & alerted them of the harmful effects of balloons in the environment. The school quickly omitted the balloon release from their event & made an announcement explaining their change of plans. Much respect for quickly taking action & helping to educate others!
February 25, 2016 – Florida, USA – The Brianna Marie Foundation, in Florida, performed annual balloon releases at their 5k run fundraiser at beautiful Wickham Park for years – having attending children release the balloons. This year, several locals (including us) had pleaded with them to alter the March 12th event. We also contacted Brevard County Parks & Recreation Department officials to inform them of Florida’s balloon release law & the harmful effects in hopes they would be active in preventing mass aerial littering at their parks. Unfortunately, the Foundation continues to side with their deceptive balloon provider’s claims – that their balloon release was in compliance with Florida law – a lie that keeps balloon releases regular occurrences in Florida.
Thankfully, after a couple polite emails & a phone call, we finally learned they will not release balloons, however they refused to disclose their chosen alternative. We are hopeful the destructive balloon release will not be replaced with another environmentally irresponsible activity like a butterfly release. The county should make certain all events at their parks are truly environmentally friendly.
January 21, 2016 – Northwich, England – The Victoria Road Primary School in Northwich, UK was planning a balloon release in February. With a couple of tweets & an email, they adjusted their event to omit the release of this harmful rubbish.
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