Comments on: College To Have ‘Balloon-Free Graduation’

By: Bs

Bs — Fri, 17 May 2019 14:58:57 +0000

No story here! We don’t have ospreys in Bermuda and we don’t contribute to world plastics in any major way! Move on tree huggers! Next you will be fighting to ban tissue paper and kite string!

By: Adklee

Adklee — Fri, 17 May 2019 13:15:52 +0000

I agree that plastics in general present a major threat to marine life. In fact, the annual marine animal death toll is comparable to that of oil spills, at around 100,000. It is also not lost on me that plastic mismanagement is more controllable than oil spills, overfishing, whaling, acidification, noise pollution, shipping, and a whole host of other marine life threats/killers. But is my view that plastic bags and bottles are of far greater concern to marine wildlife. It is a combination vendor-consumer neglect, disregard and ignorance (especially where bags are concerned) that exacerbates this issue. (That said, I assume Bermuda College bookstore charges its customers for plastic bags or offers some other alternative).

By: Adklee

Adklee — Fri, 17 May 2019 11:53:01 +0000

I agree that plastic in general is a major threat to marine life. The yearly death rate due to plastic pollution is actually quite comparable to that of oil spills. And it’s not lost on me that plastic waste is something that can be more easily controlled than oil spills, overfishing, noise pollution, shipping, acidification and a whole host of other marine life killers. But again, it’s far more about the thoughtless attitude when it comes to the disposal of plastics. Of particular note is the overuse of plastic bags by vendors. (I will assume the Bermuda College bookstore now charges its customers for bags, or offers some alternative).

By: sage

sage — Thu, 16 May 2019 23:50:07 +0000

A minor deal? Some us us humans are such over-entitled, clueless dimwits who see the destruction of creatures and eco-systems as a fair trade off for “glitz, glam and festive flair” or money, that truly brings into question our so-called superior intelligence.

By: Adklee

Adklee — Thu, 16 May 2019 21:06:24 +0000

It seems largely that the release of balloons into the air is the real problem. So it can be tackled with proper disposal, no? In all my life, it was an absolute travesty and devestation (to children especially) if a balloon got away/loose. Perhaps, it’s a culture thing in Bermuda that we don’t release balloons for kicks??? I dunno, I just think eradication is a good statement but not necessary.

By: Adklee

Adklee — Thu, 16 May 2019 20:48:45 +0000

Thanks for your response. These accounts are astonishing. Quite sad indeed. Though it still seems like a minor deal, relatively speaking. I love me some animals! But to eradicate the use of balloons is going a bit overboard imo (no pun intended).

By: bluenose

bluenose — Thu, 16 May 2019 11:28:34 +0000

Actually the balloons are a major threat to wildlife.

By: Cherilyn Corker

Cherilyn Corker — Thu, 16 May 2019 02:16:09 +0000

Hi, Glad you asked. I have seen video of ospreys in the nest with a balloon entanglement. There have been power line fires caused by balloons. I have seen a photo of a calf that choked on a balloon. Horses spooked by drifting balloons have run into fences and injured themselves. I have personally seen and picked up balloons in our local waterways. I have photographed birds alive and dead with string entanglements to their legs, one that was crippled and hobbling still with the string attached, and one that was hanging from a tree, dead. Seabirds on remote islands are feeding scraps of plastic and balloons to their chicks, causing death…. autopsies on the dead chicks show this. Our Perth (Australia) zoo recently autopsied a turtle that died with plastic and balloon pieces inside…. I could go on but you probably get the picture.

By: Adklee

Adklee — Wed, 15 May 2019 13:44:50 +0000

I applaud Bermuda College for doing its part to spread awareness to the end of making our community more eco-sensitive, but balloons are a beloved sight to see as decor and receive as gifts (not to mention far less expensive than most gift alternatives). I am very intrigued to know what exactly happens to a balloon once released into the air (which is the vast minority of balloons; most end up in the trash once the air comes out I should think). How does the glitz, glam, and festive flair lost translate to the sea life (and apparently bird life) saved? I know this is not just a symbolic gesture, but seriously would like to know the direct impact.

By: Adklee

Adklee — Wed, 15 May 2019 13:43:15 +0000

I applaud Bermuda College for doing its part to spread awareness to the end of making our community more eco-sensitive, but balloons are a beloved sight to see as decor and receive as gifts (not to mention far less expensive than most gift alternatives). I am very intrigued to know what exactly happens to a balloon once released into the air (which is the vast minority of balloons; most end up in the trash once the air comes out I should think). How does the glitz, glam, and festive flair lost translate to the sea life (and apparently bird life) saved? I understand this move is more than just a symbolic gesture, but seriously would like to have an idea of the direct impact.

By: Adklee

Adklee — Wed, 15 May 2019 13:40:23 +0000

By: MonkeySea

MonkeySea — Tue, 14 May 2019 22:47:13 +0000

The issue is not with the balloon, it’s with helium. Balloons cannot be released without it, well they can but they will just roll around on the ground. By the way, helium is scarce nowadays, that should’ve been the headline.

By: wahoo

wahoo — Tue, 14 May 2019 21:00:54 +0000

Great idea, OR we could just slap a balloon tax on the people? That would discourage them from buying balloons in the first place.

By: Pat Robinson

Pat Robinson — Tue, 14 May 2019 19:36:39 +0000

Great initiative Amy and a long overdue one. The graduates are Bermuda’s future in every regard and the only tertiary educational institution must demonstrate leadership in preserving the environment. After all, it is only lent to us to be handed on to the next generation, in an even better condition. Well done!

By: campervan

campervan — Tue, 14 May 2019 17:40:49 +0000

Kudos.
Lets have a balloon free Island next please.

By: Kim Smith

Kim Smith — Tue, 14 May 2019 15:07:40 +0000

Bravo to the Bermuda College for an enlightened decision. Another reason for the graduates to be proud, as new members of the College alumni.