At a time when we are losing loved ones whether it may be from natural circumstances/causes, affected by the pandemic, or unexpectedly, I feel like we as a community should adopt a new commemoration that celebrates those whom have left this earthly plane, but also that is Eco-friendly for those of us that are still on our earthly journey. One suggestion to replace balloons released to the sky and the heavens could be paper lanterns that are biodegradable.

I myself come from a pretty big family; my great grandparents had 13 children, my grandparents had 6 children, and my parents had two of us! Having the support from so many that are so close to heart made it easier to accept and mourn the loss of my great grandparents when they passed away. My great grandfather passed away, then a few months later my great grandmother, his wife, followed him home to the afterlife.

Now, imagine two hundred people that were immediate family all holding a balloon to release with their love and prayers, and then another 50-100 more people that were able to attend the memorial ceremony and balloon release! There has to be a better way to celebrate our loved ones and commemorate them without harming our wildlife, as well as our domesticated animals that are also considered family. The material that the balloons are made of are becoming more toxic this day in age where the human race seems to be dying off in droves and the generations following are becoming more creative with their ceremonies and how many balloons are released, or what shapes were made out of dozens of helium filled balloons. Some are more concerned with trying to do a better “show” than the last ceremony, than they are concerned about the earth and where those balloons actually go!

 I currently have a patent pending for biodegradable paper lanterns to release in place of balloons. Hopefully, we can make this a new popular trend that will still allow for creativity and honor for those we have lost.