Our Trip with WHOI
On a recent ocean excursion with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution ( WHOI ), Carl and Jennifer Mazzanti and their two sons unexpectedly learned quite a bit about the dangers of Mylar balloons. Everyone loves a balloon. But, as they discovered, Mylar balloons are polluting the world’s oceans.
On the educational expedition, the family counted over 40 Mickey and Minnie Mouse balloons floating in the water. These types of balloons are drifting all over near our coasts and across the seven seas. Since this trip, it has become eMazzanti’s mission to raise awareness about this issue.
Many people do not realize that when a Mylar balloon is released into the air it can travel for many miles, and in most cases, ends up in the ocean. Once in the ocean, animals mistake the balloons for their natural prey, blocking their digestive systems and in many cases, killing them by starvation.
It is easy for anyone to help protect sea life by reducing the number of Mylar balloons that reach our oceans. For example:
- Purchase latex balloons instead of Mylar. They deflate faster, and although still dangerous, are more likely to break down.
- Never release a balloon into the air—always pop and dispose of in the trash.
- Or, opt for Chinese lanterns which burn up and ultimately disappear.
