Is It Illegal to Release Balloons or Lanterns Near You?

With the 4th of July approaching, you'll see lighted floating lanterns at almost every fireworks shop. They're beautiful, but they can certainly cause harm. Some cities and states have even banned them. Here's what you need to know before you plan your personal Independence Day celebration.

Wildlife Experts Warn of Balloon Dangers

I have seen multiple posts on social media, one by a cattle farmer and another by a wildlife rescue expert, pleading with the general public to stop releasing lanterns and balloons for memorial services. It has become a common trend when a loved one passes to have a ceremony where folks let helium balloons or lanterns fly away with special messages.

Meaningful Moments Could Harm Local Animals

I can definitely understand how meaningful this event can be, but what happens when those balloons and lanterns come down? Some brands are often marketed as biodegradable, but they don't disappear before becoming a risk to animals and polluting natural environments.

Littering PSA

Whether intentional or by accident, any kind of discarded plastic, paper, or string can get tangled around unsuspecting or curious wildlife and possibly kill them. I still cut up my plastic six-pack packaging into pieces just in case! I can't bear to think about a poor turtle or possum getting stuck in one. I know y'all remember learning about pollution in school or watching this TV commercial.

Make Smokey the Bear Proud

Not to mention the fact that the lanterns pose huge fire risks. They could land on neighboring houses and cars or start a forest fire, which could very well grow out of control. My friend once found two lanterns in her yard that were still lit when they landed! She lives right in the middle of town.

It is Illegal to Release Lanterns and Balloons in These U.S. States & Cities

California,  Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Rhode Island, Tennessee, and Virginia all have laws banning balloons and lanterns from being released into the air in mass. According to balloonsblow.org, there are some cities that have ordinances to keep residents, animals, and natural spaces safe, including Louisville, Kentucky.

Balloon & Lantern Release Legal in Kentucky Except Louisville

For now, the rest of Kentucky and Indiana will allow them, but with the potential for this dangerous debris to travel for thousands of miles, should there be more regulations on the release of flying lighted lanterns or balloons? I personally don't participate anyway because I don't think it's worth the risk, but what do you think?

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