Fireworks, sky lanterns and balloons use during festivities and memorials leave their mark on the environment, wild life and health. Join us, re-think and help reduce the negative impacts of fireworks, sky lanterns and balloons.

Fireworks …….

cause multiple problems, including disturbing wildlife and pets, adding toxic chemical pollutants to the air, water and land, litter from plastic casings; creating inescapable explosions that can trigger terror in veterans and others suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, increasing the risk of fires at a time when the wildfire risk in many places is already high and can cause permanent damage to one’s hearing, loss of eyesight and losing body parts. Common fireworks release lead, copper & other toxic metals into the air; metals used to give fireworks colour can damage human cells & animal lungs.

Sky lanterns …….

– also known as Chinese lanterns – consist of a paper-covered wire or bamboo frame and an open flame heat source, which lifts the lantern into the air where it can float for miles from the point of release. Once released their flight path is uncontrolled.

Once extinguished the lantern falls back to the ground and poses a significant risk to wildlife, farm animals, sea creatures and humans. The falling sky lanterns also have a potential to cause electrical fires or dangerous power outages, and potentially pollute waterways, natural habitats and lands.

Balloons ……..

pose a serious risk to our environment. Join our collaborative campaign and feel free to use this poster to spread awareness about the impact of balloons. Watch this Video ‘When Balloons Fly‘ by ZoosVictoria. Helium use for fun is not sustainable and irresponsible, Helium resources are limited and this scarcity puts pressure on medical healthcare . Despite claims that biodegradable balloons biodegrade, tests show that biodegradability is limited. Strings and plastic closures on balloons harm wildlife, due to entanglement and digestion.

This poster is brought to you by Gallifrey Foundation & International Waste Platform, with artwork by Rogue Gone Vogue Illustrations. Feel free to download and spread in your networks.