We want a safer, cleaner, greener countryside for us all to enjoy. The UK Government should bring in a total ban on sky lanterns in England and Wales without delay.
Every year up to 200,000 sky lanterns are released in the UK. These floating flames are highly dangerous.
They can:
• Start wildfires
• Kill animals
• Destroy food growing in fields
• Set homes and buildings alight
And the litter they leave in their wake is a blight on our beautiful countryside.
The threat posed by sky lanterns is greater during the summer months. As the weather becomes warmer and drier, the risk of wildfire increases. More animals live out in the fields and could eat fallen lanterns, potentially leading to injury and even death. That’s why action is needed now.
So far
186 councils out of 333 across England and Wales have voluntarily banned sky lanterns but this only covers the land they own. We know that the UK Government is listening and this issue is on the political agenda.
A total ban would mean that sky lanterns cannot be launched from anywhere in England and Wales.
Germany, Austria and Brazil have already implemented a ban. It is time for us to do so, too.
Sign this petition to Defra to show you support a total ban.