There’s nothing romantic about releasing balloons and Chinese lanterns: let me show you the dark side of this crazy trend

The release of balloons and lanterns can damage wildlife and the environment, but despite this, such practices continue to be widespread as demonstrated by the viral video featuring Nicki Nicole and Lamine Yamal

The release of helium balloons has become a widespread practice at parties, birthdays, and celebrations of all kinds, often considered a symbol of joy and lightness. Recently, a video shared by singer Nicki Nicole and soccer player Lamine Yamal releasing heart-shaped balloons from a yacht reignited the debate about their environmental impact. What many fail to consider is that these seemingly innocent, sweet, and “cute” objects can actually have serious consequences for the ecosystem.

The consequences for marine wildlife

According to experts, balloons can reach heights up to 6.2 miles (10 km), remain suspended in the air for 24 hours, and travel up to 1,864 miles (3,000 kilometers) before falling to land or sea. When these balloons fall, they often do so partially deflated, becoming a concrete risk for animals. The Foundation for Assistance and Action in Defense of Animals (FAADA) reports that at least 10% of balloons that end up in the environment represent a direct danger to terrestrial and marine wildlife.

One of the most striking examples involves sea turtles, which can mistake balloons for jellyfish and ingest them, risking fatal suffocation or intestinal blockages. Other land animals can also become trapped or injured by strings and ribbons attached to balloons. This type of pollution isn’t limited to visible debris: balloon materials can take years to degrade, contributing to the accumulation of microplastics in oceans and natural ecosystems.

The risks of Chinese lanterns too

Some regions have already taken legislative measures to limit or ban the practice of balloon releases, promoting safer alternatives such as reusable decorations or biodegradable lanterns with precautions to prevent fires.

Beyond balloons, Chinese lanterns can also pose a risk: in addition to becoming beached waste, they can cause forest fires and property damage. The most striking example occurred in 2013, when a lantern fell onto a recycling facility in Smethwick (in the United Kingdom), causing a fire that drew over 200 firefighters and became the largest intervention in that area.

The trend of launching objects into the air, however symbolic, must be replaced by environmental awareness, choosing solutions that don’t create dangerous situations. Raising awareness about the risks and proposing sustainable alternatives represents a fundamental step in reducing the impact of these festive practices on the global ecosystem. Celebrating with consciousness means caring for the planet, protecting animals and habitats even in small daily gestures.