If you are planning to use balloons or sky lanterns in your Christmas and New Year celebrations please give a thought to where these end up. The Marine Conservation Society UK are advising that when balloons and sky lanterns (sometimes known as Chinese lanterns) are released, they don’t just disappear.

They float back down to earth where they are the same as any other litter. But balloons and sky lanterns are particularly dangerous pieces of litter. Balloons are mistaken for food by many species of wildlife, especially turtles. Once balloons have been eaten they can block digestive systems and cause animals to starve. The string on balloons can also entangle and trap animals.

Please see the link on the Marine Conservation Society website for more information on their Don’t Let Go Campaign.