Balloons, sky lanterns harm the environment

The spectacle of the symbolic releasing of balloons and night sky lanterns is, without a doubt, a beautiful sight to behold and has become increasingly popular at festivals, weddings and other celebrations across the world. For Filipinos, the event is oftentimes symbolic and can even be observed in occasions such as burials. But after traveling for long distances and falling to the ground or waters, the burn-out and plastic remnants from the lanterns and balloons may not only litter the earth and seas, but can also hurt livestock and marine animals.