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Cove Balloon Drop |
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by Adam Zhou | 01-01-2019 09:50
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In order to celebrate the coming New Year's, the nightclub Cove Manila proposed to achieve the Guinness World Record for the largest number of balloons dropped in an indoor space at 130,000 balloons.
However, this drew a large response from both the public and the private sector. Tens of thousands of netizens, for instance, posted on their social media to sign a petition in order to cancel this said event. Furthermore, organisations even came to step in. The Climate Reality Project spoke out on the wastefulness of the situation and how, to quote their spokesperson, ""Even if this will be done indoors, #DropBalloonDrop Cove Manila's balloon drop must be stopped. It is unsustainable, wasteful and ecologically apathetic. How about 130,000 rose petals or 130,000 leaves? Or growing 130,000 indigenous trees to offset your carbon emissions?" This really places into perspective the fine line between celebrations and environmental management. Considering how the Guinness World Records website no longer requires record managers to monitor attempts, this can be extremely harmful to the environment. In addition, incorporating more sustainable modes of festivities that can be reused for other events or even already upcycled materials could be taken into account. Cove Manila issued the following statement: Cove Manila's much-anticipated balloon drop is not a whimsical effort to just “play” with thousands of balloons. It is an earnest effort not only to make a new world record for the country, but also to demonstrate that we can have a lot of fun but still remain responsible. Firstly, the balloons are biodegradable. Secondly, the balloon drop has been planned with solid environmental management protocols in place to minimize, if not eliminate, any possible impact on the environment. And thirdly, we are recycling all the balloons and creatively turning them into something useful. Even according to the Governmental Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), this is simply not feasible on such large of a scale. Recycling, as is in the aforementioned context, can be an excuse for environmental detriments, and furthermore, doesn't have many alternatives for it to be recycled to. In regards to the Philippines' already tragic plastic pollution crisis, where the instance of turtles being choked to death on scraps is not unusual, extra precautions should be noted of. As a result, the DENR, along with public pressure, has recommended the Cove Manila to halt this event, which it has followed. This situation can be applied to many scenarios, regarding culture and the environment, and how there has to be a fine balance between such. Many conflicts arise, especially in celebrations like these. However, one must consider how that in the future, without proper protection of the environment, such celebrations may not even be able to occur.
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5 Comments
Hello Adam, celebration can take place offline or online, not solely in a large scale such as NYE 2019 celebration event mentioned in your report.
Apart from recycling and gathering fallen balloons later on, it is also important not to make such 'trash' prior to its production. Though we cannot simply cut down the production of balloons, it is our job and responsibility not to use them often and throw them out thoughtlessly like the case in the report.
Thanks for raising awareness about the event!
Posted 06-01-2019 14:42
Celebrations are good but we must take into account how our activities can hamper our environment. We must be responsible and this initiative can be set as an example as this turns about to be a huge step taken against the events which discourages the similar future events that could occur hampering the environment.
Thank you informing us about this happening in Manilla
Wishing you happy and prosperous New Year 2019
Green Cheers from the Land of Himalayas
Posted 04-01-2019 13:22
Hello Adam
Celebrations do mean something to the people as sometimes it isn't only limited to the providing of a one-dimensional pleasure but becomes memories and a sense of belonging.
However, if these causes pollution that exceeds the span that we can actually manage, it is right to think about it once more.
Likewise, it is important that certain experts should examine such plans before implementing.
And as for fireworks, as it not only causes pollution but has the danger of fire accidents, stricter rules, and examination really seems to be needed!
Thanks for the report and happy new year :)
Posted 01-01-2019 20:20
Hello, Adam Zhou
Namaste from Nepal, Country of Mt Everest
I wish for your healthy body, peace mind and happy face in coming days, I wish you always can serve for this beautiful earth,
Happy New Year 2019,
In this Year
Donate Red (Blood)
Spread Green (Plants)
Save Blue (Water)
Thank You so much for your report about Cove Balloon Drop.
Keep writing :)
Posted 01-01-2019 16:05
Further prompt: how do you think fireworks play a role in this situation?
Posted 01-01-2019 09:50