Paper Lanterns: Pretty, But Polluting?

Paper lanterns are a well-loved tradition in many cultures, often used to celebrate holidays, make wishes, or mourn the passing of a loved one. They are popular worldwide, with entire festivals dedicated to releasing glowing lanterns into the night sky. While they are undoubtedly beautiful, they can also be harmful to the environment and wildlife. This has led to concerns and, in some cases, bans on their use. So, do paper lanterns pollute?

Paper lanterns are a fire hazard

Paper lanterns are a well-loved tradition in multiple cultures, often used to celebrate holidays, make wishes, or mourn the passing of a loved one. While they are undoubtedly beautiful, they pose a significant fire hazard.

Firstly, paper lanterns have been known to cause wildfires. In one instance, a sky lantern was responsible for a massive fire at the Smethwick Recycling Plant in England. In another incident, a sky lantern caused a fire that killed 50 animals in the Krefeld Zoo in Germany. Paper lanterns have also caused injuries and destruction of property. In India, for example, 15 people were severely injured when a sky lantern landed on a shop, causing four neighboring houses to burst into flames.

Secondly, paper lanterns can cause fires when they come down alight. They may start a fire in tinder-dry areas such as moorlands or cornfields, or even in someone's house. This poses a danger not only to wildlife but also to humans and property.

Thirdly, the wire frames of paper lanterns can take a long time to break down and can pose a fire hazard when they get wrapped up in flammable materials such as hay bales. This can be extremely dangerous for farm animals, as ingesting these sharp objects can lead to internal bleeding and death.

Finally, the use of sky lanterns has raised concerns among the UK coastguard, as they can be mistaken for distress flares when drifting out to sea. This has led to discussions about potentially banning them in the UK.

Given the fire hazards and other environmental concerns associated with paper lanterns, it is important to consider alternative ways to celebrate and commemorate while minimizing the risk of harm to people, property, and the environment.

Metal wire frames are not biodegradable

Paper lanterns are a well-loved tradition in multiple cultures, often used to celebrate holidays, make wishes, or mourn the passing of a loved one. While they are undoubtedly beautiful, they can be incredibly harmful to both the environment and wildlife. The wire frames of paper lanterns are particularly problematic as they are not biodegradable and can persist in the environment as pollution if not properly disposed of.

The metal wire frames of paper lanterns can take a significant amount of time to break down, with some sources claiming it can take up to nine months for the wire to degrade. However, this timeframe is questionable, as many people have shared anecdotes of digging up old wire fencing in their gardens that has been there for years or even decades. This is a concern shared by farmers, who worry about the impact of wire frames on their livestock.

The non-biodegradability of metal wire frames poses a significant hazard to wildlife. As paper lanterns fall back to the earth, the wire frames can entangle birds and other animals, leading to injury or death. The wire can also be ingested by animals, causing internal bleeding and suffering. This is especially true if the wire becomes wrapped up in hay bales, as it can then be accidentally consumed by farm animals.

Additionally, the mining required for metal wire frames can be resource-intensive and contribute to habitat destruction. The production of metal wire also releases harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. When paper lanterns are disposed of in landfills, the wire frames can take up space and persist in the environment for a long time if they don't break down properly.

To minimize the environmental impact of paper lanterns, consumers and event organizers can choose lanterns with bamboo frames instead of wire. Bamboo is a rapidly renewable resource that grows quickly and requires less water and pesticides. It is also important to properly dispose of paper lanterns by recycling or reusing them whenever possible.

They contribute to litter and pollution

Paper lanterns are often marketed as eco-friendly and biodegradable, but this does not mean they are without environmental impact. While the paper material may degrade over time, the other components of the lantern and the potential for harm during its 'lifetime' can contribute to pollution and litter. The metal wire frame, for instance, will not easily degrade and can be harmful to wildlife and the environment if it ends up in waterways or soil. The burning of the fuel cell can also release harmful chemicals and pollutants into the atmosphere, contributing to air pollution. Even if the lantern is not released and is disposed of 'properly', the wire frame can still end up in landfills, and the burning of the fuel cell may have already caused harm to the surrounding environment.

The fuel cell, often containing paraffin wax, can also be problematic. If the lantern is released and does not burn out and degrade as intended, the wax can end up in the environment, causing harm to wildlife and contaminating soil and water sources. Even if the wax is biodegradable, the process can take a long time, and the immediate impact on the environment can be detrimental. The wax may also contain other chemicals and additives that are harmful to the environment.

Then there is the issue of litter. Even if all components of the paper lantern are biodegradable, the lantern itself can still contribute to litter if it is not disposed of properly. If the lantern is released and gets caught in trees, buildings, or other structures, it becomes litter and can be unsightly and harmful to the environment. Animals may also become entangled in the wire frame, causing injury or death. The lantern may also end up in waterways, adding to the growing problem of aquatic litter and endangering marine life.

The impact of paper lanterns on the environment is further exacerbated when they are used en masse, such as at festivals or large gatherings. The cumulative effect of multiple lanterns being released at once can have a significant impact on the surrounding area. The potential for harm to wildlife, the environment, and even property is increased when a large number of lanterns are released simultaneously. This can also contribute to light pollution, affecting local wildlife and disrupting ecosystems.

To mitigate these impacts, it is important that people are educated on the proper disposal of paper lanterns and the potential environmental consequences of their release. It is also crucial that manufacturers take steps to ensure their products are as environmentally friendly as possible, including using only biodegradable materials and providing clear instructions for safe disposal. Alternatives to the traditional paper lantern, such as LED lanterns or reusable sky lanterns, can also be considered to reduce the environmental impact of these popular decorations.

Overall, while paper lanterns may seem like a harmless and eco-friendly option, their potential to contribute to litter and pollution is significant. It is important that their use is carefully considered and, if used, that proper disposal methods are always followed to minimize the negative impact on the environment.

They are dangerous to wildlife

Paper lanterns are dangerous to wildlife in multiple ways. Firstly, they pose a significant threat to birds and other animals through entanglement. The wire frames of the lanterns can entangle birds and other creatures, leading to injury or even death. This is a particular concern for livestock and farm animals, as the wire can cause internal bleeding, as seen in the case of a cow that died after ingesting a discarded drink can.

Secondly, the metal and plastic components of paper lanterns can cause harm if ingested by animals. As the lanterns fall back to the earth, they contribute to litter and pollution, with their metal and plastic parts taking years to degrade. Birds, fish, and other wildlife may ingest these harmful materials, causing serious injury or death.

The wire frames of paper lanterns are also a concern for wildlife. While the paper itself may biodegrade within six to eight weeks, the wire can take much longer—up to nine months or even longer—to break down. This means that wire frames can lie on the ground or be left in the environment for extended periods, posing a hazard to animals and wildlife.

Additionally, the glues and inks used in paper lantern construction can have negative consequences for wildlife. Conventional adhesives are often derived from synthetic polymers and can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), contributing to air pollution that can affect the health of ecosystems and wildlife.

Finally, the fire risk associated with paper lanterns also poses a danger to wildlife. There have been multiple incidents of wildfires caused by lanterns, including a fire that killed 50 animals in a zoo in Germany. The potential for fires started by paper lanterns poses a significant threat to wildlife habitats and the animals themselves.

There are eco-friendly alternatives

Paper lanterns may seem like a harmless tradition, but they can have a detrimental impact on the environment. Even biodegradable lanterns can take decades to break down, and the wire frames pose a serious threat to wildlife and livestock. Lanterns also pose a significant fire hazard, having caused wildfires and structure fires around the world.

Fortunately, there are eco-friendly alternatives to commemorate a loved one or celebrate a special occasion. Here are some options to consider:

Kites

Kites are a perfect alternative to paper lanterns, especially in early spring or windy areas. They provide a similar visual experience as they sail into the sky, but without the environmental and safety concerns. Kites are typically made from lightweight and durable materials, ensuring they can be used repeatedly without creating pollution. Kite flying also harnesses wind power, a clean and renewable energy source, making it a more sustainable activity than releasing balloons or lanterns.

Bubble Ceremonies

Blowing bubbles is another eco-friendly alternative that stirs up similar feelings of magic and symbolism. You can use large and small wands to create different-sized bubbles, and environmentally safe dish soap for a ceremonial send-off.

Luminaria

Luminaria, or small paper lanterns, can be made from brown paper lunch bags with cut-out designs. For safety, use battery-operated candles instead of an open flame.

Seed Paper

Seed paper is a special type of paper embedded with wildflower, herb, or vegetable seeds. Handwritten messages can be planted, and the seeds will bloom, creating a lasting memorial that brings more life to the planet.

Floating Flowers

Releasing flowers or flower wreaths onto a body of water can evoke a feeling of letting go. This ceremonial ritual can be done in conjunction with the scattering of remains from a boat or shore. To make it more eco-friendly, attach notes to the flowers using rice paper that dissolves in water, and select native flowers with broad, flat bases for better flotation.

These alternatives allow for meaningful celebrations and commemorations while minimizing the environmental impact and keeping wildlife safe.

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