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Yes, we all love balloons, balloons are the highlight of our childhood joy and adulthood celebrations. No special occasion is complete without balloons. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that our celebrations like birthdays, marriage, private party victory celebrations etc, anything or any event doesn’t feel complete without the presence of balloons.

Balloons in the present scenario are not only the burst of our happiness but it has also become the burst of our social media glamor. So, it is very obvious for us to feel that a balloon adds an extra color to our regular life. If we talk about the literal definition of balloons, it is a flexible bag that can be inflated with a gas, such as helium, hydrogen, nitrous oxide, oxygen and air. For special tasks, balloons can be filled with smoke, liquid, wate , granular media (e.g. sand ,flour or rice ) or light sources.

Modern day balloons are made from materials such as rubber, latex, polychloroprene or a nylon fabric ,and can come in different colors. some early balloons were made of dried animal bladder ,such as the pig bladder .some balloons are used for decorative or entertainment purposes, while others are used for practical purposes, while others are used for practical purposes such as meteorology, medical treatment ,military defense or transportation. A balloon's properties, including its low density and low cost, have led to a wide range of applications.

But, how often we realize that our happiness and joy is at the cost of our environment and at the cost of lives of those innocent co-habitants, creatures and animals whom we love and want to post the cute pictures in our social media handle.

In the one sphere, we are the educated ,modern 21st century’s children and adults who are well aware about the importance of environment protection and also the protection of our co-habitants . We claim ourselves to be animal activists and are willingly ready to sacrifice the age-old food habit and turn into vegan happily in order to prevent the exploitation of animals. BUT at the other end we are unaware of the danger that we are creating everyday with every purchase of balloons and the burst of our happiness.

Today’s young population, especially the ones who are up for the celebrations every now and then, is the same population, the same number of young minds who have got the environmental education from the secondary level in their school years. At least I can say we used to have the compulsory subject of Health and environment in grade 8, 9 and 10. Though there was no specific mention about  balloons  but definitely there was the mention of the pollutions and its impact directly or indirectly to human, animals and the planet earth.

Here, I want to raise one question to all the people who are reading this piece: was education only the worth of passing the examination and sailing through your school and college or was it to make you understand the effect of our daily careless activities on the planet which is also our home. Then why are we acting unaware everyday? Why don't we stress to dwell just for a second before bringing the artificial decorations which will harm our environment , our co habitants and even us in the long run.

How many times we wonder where will these balloons and rubber be managed after the celebrations?  What if it is scattered in land in the dumping site of waste management and many street animals while searching for food will swallow it by mistake with food and can affect their health and life vigorously.

We often share the pictures of whales and other terrestrial creatures circulated in the social media where they are dead or are fighting with death due to the swallowing of plastic and rubber materials .But when it comes to real life we don’t even think once before using such plastic and rubber made artificial balloons and decorations.

These days, themed  balloons and party poppers and huge advertisement balloons used by different industries and organizations to promote their products  has been the trend of every fancy celebration, specially by the youngsters and the new business hub in the main cities around the world. where there is access to it. But not a single person felt responsible about its after effects on the environment. How will it be decomposed or how can we recycle it or how can we think of alternatives not any. All these consumers and distributors are the population of today’s well aware citizens, better say educated group of people who follow every trend in social Media .

Also let’s not forget the economic side of this trend.  Definitely, this is a prospect of a very good business as it is transparent to us all over the social media. Why can’t we be responsible for its recycling? Instead of these plants,  nursery and flower decorations are way better both to generate economy and enhance and decorate  the mood and appearance of the place but one protects the environment and the other one destroys .

Let’s bring the new concept of feeding animals and planting saplings on our birthdays rather than polluting the environment by balloons and party poppers. Also the canes of the artificial spray is an additional waste to the environment. yes, It is always easier said than done anything .But still it is possible. Because impossible itself says I’m possible.

Dear young and bright minds, please use your money, energy and time to save the planet earth and to your own well-being, rather than polluting the environment. Try to find meaning to your special occasions, celebrate your day being harmless to our cohabitants as well as our ecosystem and planet earth. Be a little wise and more happy and have guilt free celebrations.

Love anything you want but not at the cost of the environment, innocent creatures and overall well being of planet earth.