Texas beach organizations remind others about harmful V-Day balloons

Balloons are a fun way to celebrate, however, the decorations aren’t fun for the animals, Texas beach organizations say. SPLASh Texas, an environmental conservation organization in Houston, reminded beachgoers about the Valentine’s Day balloons last weekend.

“With Valentine’s Day coming up remember to #skiptheballoon so they don’t end up on the beach like this bunch,” SPLASh Texas said in its Facebook post that showed a picture of many Valentine’s Day balloons on the beach.

Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, a wildlife sanctuary in Lake Jackson, near Houston, also posted about the balloons last weekend on Facebook. The sanctuary wrote it has already collected 426 balloons so far this winter season. 

“Valentine’s Day is coming up and this is a gentle reminder to refrain from giving your loved ones balloons,” the sanctuary stated. “Balloons are deadly to both sea turtles and birds. What goes up, will come down. So please give love and not trash this year. Thank you!”

Over the years, officials with Padre Island National Seashore have reminded beachgoers about the balloons. PINS said mylar balloons are composed of synthetic nylon with a metallic coating and are non-biodegradable. Often, sea turtles, fish, dolphins, and even whales mistake them for food. Birds and other animals can also become entangled in the balloon string, PINS added.

“This fleeting gesture of love can actually cause a lot of heartaches,” PINS said. “Show everyone how big your heart is and tell your loved ones to never release balloons.”