Sunderland leaders call for an end to balloon and lantern releases in protection of animals and environment

A host of alternatives have been suggested in place of the events, which pose a threat to the environment and animals, with Chinese lanterns also creating a fire risk to property and land.

A spokesperson for Sunderland City Council said: “Please no balloon or lantern releases.

“While balloon or lantern releases are often carried out as a memorial to somebody who has sadly passed away, they have a long and devastating impact on our environment, with their tattered ends and floating pieces resembling jellyfish and being eaten by marine life, or other animals becoming tangled in the debris.”

It has pointed people towards a list brought together by the RSPCA.

A spokesperson for the charity said: “Sky lanterns and balloon releases are an impressive sight, although it's sometimes easy to forget the dangers this can have for wildlife and the environment.

"Once released these quickly become litter.

"Although biodegradable options are available, such as bamboo framed sky lanterns, these still take months or even years to break down.”

Among the ideas are:

Jam jar lights – personalise recycled jars and sauce bottles into tea light holders and stage a vigil at dusk or night. Use LED lights if items could catch fire from a candle, or fill a bigger jar with a string of fairy lights Blow bubbles – release these into the air, with a crowd of people likely to create a spectacle. Plastic straws can be used to create a ward, as well as pipe cleaners or the tamper band off drinks bottles. Bubble mix can be made using water, washing-up liquid and glycerine, but make sure soaps are safe for pets or fish, if being used around waterways Plant a tree or flowers – these can create a lasting memorial which is better for the environment and long-lasting A memorial plaque – these can be used to mark an occasion, person or pet and can be somewhere people can visit for years to come Organise a memory walk – encourage everything to wear the same colour or theme the event, raising money for good cause from sponsorship

For more information, visit https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/litter/balloon-and-sky-lantern-alternatives.

A message from the Editor:

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to the Sunderland Echo website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app.

With a digital subscription, you can read more than five articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content.

Visit here to sign up. You can subscribe to the newspaper with 20% off here.

Thank you.