Sky Lanterns

Sky Lanterns are being talked about a lot recently, and it’s mainly because of one company which seems to like controversy. This company, which I won’t link to, seeks to financially benefit from tragedies. I don’t know whether they have a marketing person that just can’t read the room or is devoid of intelligence. Or maybe they’re an evil genius as they’ve had lots of engagement on social media (not necessarily positive engagement). But why is there so much controversy about sky lanterns and are sky lanterns eco-friendly?

I first came across sky lanterns in Thailand and I won’t deny it, they’re a beautiful spectacle. Try to imagine a very dark night watching hundreds of white glowing lanterns ascending into the night sky then gently floating away. At the time though I didn’t really think about what happens to them afterwards.

What are Sky Lanterns?

Sky Lanterns normally have a frame made of bamboo or wire wrapped in rice paper. They have a candle, or other source of fire, that when lit causes it to rise into the sky; in the same way that hot air balloons work.

Why do people release them?

There are many reasons why people want to release sky lanterns.

• Celebrating a wedding
• Memorialising a person
• Marking a tragedy and to show respect
• Because it’s a spectacle

“The sky lantern ceremony has come to represent the releasing of one’s deepest fears and desires. It is a symbolic cleansing, a letting go of everything that troubles you. It is also the beginning of a new, enlightened you, with the light illuminating the path of knowledge and righteousness.” – liveabout.com

Why are Sky Lanterns so Controversial?

There have been many occasions that wildlife and people have come to harm after the release of these floating fireballs. One of the most well known tragedies is the German zoo that lost dozens of primates. On other occasions animals have tried to eat them and died agonising deaths after trying to eat the wire.

• Gorillas, orangutans and chimps die in German zoo fire – 2020
• Boy burned by Chinese lantern in Wrexham – 2013
• Plea to ban flying Chinese lanterns as cows are killed by them – 2011
• Smethwick Fire: Massive Blaze At Recycling Plant – 2013
• Dead owl found trapped in Chinese lantern – 2011
• Family recovers from crash likely caused by fallen sky lantern – 2012
• Sky lantern starts wildfire in Colorado – 2016

The Worst Company in Britain?

Now we come to one of the absolute worst companies in Britain. After the German Zoo fire which killed dozens of primates, which was caused by flaming aerial litter, this dreadful company tried to convince people that the best way to show respect and to mourn the loss of these animals was to release sky lanterns. I don’t know if they’re trolling because who on earth would think that was a good idea?

After such an awful attempt at trying to cash in on a tragedy caused by something they sell, they recently tried to get everyone to buy and release sky lanterns to honour the NHS. Because what better way to honour our emergency services is there than releasing a fire hazard into the sky which could potentially mean tying up our essential workers during a global crisis?

What I like most about the tweets above is how much this awful company were ‘ratioed’. (On the social media platform Twitter, a ratio, or getting ratioed, is when replies to a tweet vastly outnumber likes or retweets. This means people are objecting to the tweet and considering its content bad. – dictionary.com)

Calls for a ban on the release of sky lanterns

Many people and organisations are calling for a complete ban of sky lanterns. Organisations in the UK who have asked for a ban, or even for people to use a bit of common sense and not release them for the NHS include:

• RSPCA – “#EndSkyLitter Sky litter is a danger to animals. Email your local council today to urge them to implement a ban on the release of sky lanterns and balloons.”
• Ulster Farmers Union – “Releasing sky lanterns is dangerous, warns Ulster Farmers’ Union”.
• Countryside Online – “Join our campaign to ban sky lanterns. Sky lanterns might look pretty but they are a serious danger to animals and the countryside.”
• Marine Conservation Society – “Don’t Let Go” – click the link to discover which county councils already have a balloon / lantern release ban in place.
• Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service – “Don’t use sky lanterns to show NHS support”.

Where are they banned?

Lots of countries around the world have already banned them partially or completely due to the destruction and harm they cause.

• Brazil – launching lanterns is an environmental crime, punishable by up to 3 years in jail.
• Austria –  it is illegal to produce, sell, import, or distribute them.
• Germany – it is illegal to launch a sky lantern in most parts of Germany, with fines of up to 5000 euros being possible; in some German states, local authorities may give special permission on application.
• Wales – the release of both sky lanterns and balloons from Council owned land and property is banned.
• Washington State – Sky Lanterns are banned statewide due to fire concerns.

most of the above information about where bans are in place is from Wikipedia

Are Sky Lanterns Eco-Friendly?

Let’s be honest, I think it’s completely irrelevant whether they are eco-friendly or not. They cause so much harm that the materials they’re made of doesn’t matter. The fact that they are aerial litter that’s on fire should be enough to tell you that they are not eco-friendly at all, whether they are labelled as such or not.

Save your money and don’t bother with releasing lanterns. If you’re looking for a way to say goodbye to a loved one have a read through these alternatives to balloon releases instead for some great ideas for ‘letting go’.

Please do sign this petition started by 10 year Lexie from Gloucestershire to ban the sale and use of floating lanterns…

Sign the petition to ban sky lanterns here

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