During McHappy Day, 16 November 2024, many McHappy Day helium balloons were seen disappearing into the atmosphere, and at least one large bunch was caught in power lines outside a McDonalds cafe.

Within days, a McHappy Day balloon was found as marine debris on a Gold Coast beach. It is illegal to release balloons in Queensland, as it is in many other areas around Australia.

Released balloons end up as marine debris or litter, and threaten wildlife (including endangered species such as turtles) and farm animals with injury or death from ingestion or entanglement.

Balloons are recognised as a priority threat for the marine ecosystem by the NSW EPA.

Balloons are considered single use plastic as they do not biodegrade and cannot be recycled. Latex balloons are toxic to at least two marine microorganisms as chemicals are added for colour, longevity, elasticity etc, the same chemicals that stop the biodegrading process.

In addition, balloons are a choking hazard for young children, and latex is an allergen to some people. Inhaling helium can be lethal.

Scarce helium is wasted when used to inflate balloons. It should be conserved for medicine, science and industry

At a time when there is global concern about the environmental impact from single use plastics, will McDonalds show some corporate environmental responsibility and stop using balloons as a promotional tool?