Environmentalists seek to regulate use of sky lanterns

MANILA, Philippines - Environmentalists asked authorities yesterday to regulate the use of sky lanterns or mini-hot air balloons to ensure human and wildlife safety.

Their call is for authorities to take action before the trade in sky lanterns soars during the holiday season and gets out of control.

Making the call were Roy Alvarez of Alaga Lahat, Leah Primitiva Samaco-Paquiz of Ang Nars, Noli Abinales of Buklod Tao, Manny Calonzo of IPEN, Ochie Tolentino of Cavite Green Coalition, Tessa Oliva of Miriam PEACE, Romy Hidalgo of November 17 Movement, Rene Pineda of Partnership for Clean Air and Gloria Estenzo-Ramos of Philippine Earth Justice Center.

Some traders have claimed that sky lanterns are eco-friendly substitutes to firecrackers and fireworks and pose no danger to humans and animals.

The greens asked the Departments of Environment and Natural Resources, Health, Interior and Local Government, Trade and Industry, Bureau of Fire Protection, the Civil Aviation Authority and local governments to institute the necessary precautionary measures.

Gloria Ramos, EcoWaste Coalition steering committee member, said local governments can initiate appropriate policies regulating sky lanterns to protect the health and ensure the safety of their constituents.

“We support this move for regulation as the released sky lanterns will go somewhere and can cause adverse effects,” she said.

Tessa Oliva of Miriam PEACE said “everything must go somewhere,” one of the seven environmental principles or commandments of nature.

Sky lanterns are sold in Divisoria for P20 to P50 per piece depending on the number of lanterns bought, according to the market monitoring of EcoWaste Coalition on Nov. 22.

At present, no regulation governs the production, sale and use of sky lanterns in the Philippines despite efforts in other countries to limit or prohibit their use because of potential fire hazards as well as safety risks for aircraft, animals and people.

In Australia, the government through the Consumer Protection Notice No. 17 of 2011 imposed a permanent ban on sky lanterns, which “rely on an open flame to heat the air inside the lantern.”

“The purpose of the permanent ban on these goods is to ensure ongoing consumer safety by prohibiting the supply of sky lanterns. The associated hazard is the risk of starting an uncontrolled fire if the open flame contacts combustible material, particularly in bushfire prone areas,” the notice said.