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25 Biggest Failures of the Trump Presidency

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Donald Trump was one of Barack Obama’s most vocal critics. He was quite proud of forcing the then president to release his birth certificate after claiming he was not fit to lead the country. But when it came time to prove his worth as the country’s leader, he had more failures to show than achievements. Here are the top 25 biggest trump presidency failures.

1. Withdrawing from the Paris agreement

The United States of America joined the likes of Syria and Nicaragua when President Trump withdrew from the Paris Agreement on climate change. Over 200 countries signed the agreement in an attempt to curtail greenhouse gas emissions to contain global warming to two degrees Celsius. It was met with worldwide and nationwide criticism and led many to view the US and Trump as protecting the interest of fossil fuel shareholders.

2. Muslim travel ban

Within the first week of Trump being in office, he implemented a travel ban of travelers coming from six Muslim-majority countries: Libya, Syria, Sudan, Somalia, Iraq, Iran, and Yemen. It wreaks havoc within the country as well as abroad. Federal courts in California and Hawaii cited the travel ban to be unconstitutional and put a hold on it. Appeals to take the matter up to the Supreme Court have already begun.

3. Getting Mexico to pay for the border wall

The great wall was Trump’s rallying cry during his campaign. He vehemently promised voters that he will build a wall and Mexico will be the one to pay for it. Estimates put the total cost of the border wall close to $25 billion dollars to account for materials, labor, land acquisition, repairs, and new construction. Mexico was adamant that they would never pay for the border wall.

4. Repealing Obamacare

Getting rid of the Affordable Care Act, otherwise known as Obamacare, was a central goal to all Republicans who ran for office that year, including Trump. But drafting a new bill to replace Obamacare brought more challenges. It received numerous objections from senators and reported tension between Mr. Trump, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, and House Speaker Paul Ryan, efforts to replace Obamacare hit a roadblock.

5. Championing LGBT rights

Donal Trump tweeted in July 2016 claiming he would “fight for you” and arguing that Hilary Clinton would only be a disaster for LGBT rights. However, the administration failed to deliver on its promises. Medicaid Services and Centres for Medicare rolled back a rule recognizing same-sex marriage for visitation rights in care facilities. Trump also signed an executive order that bans transgender people from serving in the military.

6. Federal debt

During this presidential campaign back in 2016, Trump promised to eliminate the federal debt within eight years. Instead, it has skyrocketed because of Trump’s $1.9 trillion tax cuts for corporations and the wealthy. He has since used the growing debt to threaten Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid with budgetary cuts.

7. Trade deficit

It is during Trump’s presidency that Americans saw the highest trade deficit in its history. The country is now buying more goods and services from other countries than what it sells to the rest of the world. Bringing down the country’s trade deficit was one of the things Trump promised during his campaign but failed to achieve during his time in office.

8. Tax law

Most Americans remain divided when the new tax law was passed in 2017. Public opinion leans a little more towards the negative, especially when it came to light that more tax breaks were going to be granted to wealthier Americans and the risk that was created for Social Security and Medicare.

9. Changes to SNAP

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, is a federal program aimed to help no- and low-income people have better access to quality food. The changes proposed by the Trump administration to the program worried a lot of people on how it would impact poor families, particularly children from low-income households.

10. False or misleading claims

The world is witness to Trump’s troubled relationship with truth and facts. He has a well-documented record of embellishing many of his accomplishments. Since being elected as president, Trump has made at least 15,400 misleading or false claims, according to an analysis done by The Washington Post. He has falsely yet repeatedly claimed that he is responsible for the “greatest economy” in United States history. He has also taken credit for the steady economic growth that already began during the previous administration.

11. Charlottesville fiasco

One of the most controversial moments of Trump’s presidency was his response to the deadly neo-Nazi rally which took place in Charlottesville, Virginia. His response sheds light on his controversial record when it comes to white supremacy and race relations. And it highlighted his struggle to bring the entire country together after tragedies. He blamed both sides for the violence that ensued which resulted in the death of a counterprotester, Heather Heyer. He was criticized by both sides for his failure to swiftly condemn white supremacist violence.

12. America’s global image

Under the leadership of Trump, America’s global image has steadily declined due to his tendency to insult US allies and siding with dictators. A report from the Institute for Economics and Peace stated that confidence in American leadership has significantly declined since Trump was elected into office. Trump’s antics which include pulling out of important landmark international agreements such as the Paris Agreement have pushed many important allies away and left the US isolated.

13. Separating families

During his campaign, Trump promised a hardline approach when it comes to reducing undocumented immigration into the US. His efforts to uphold that promise was met with international criticism and accusations of violating international law set by the UN and human rights abuses. His zero-tolerance approach on illegal border crossing caused at least 5,000 families to be separated, with children being placed in cages. Despite an executive order to stop family separation in June 2018, the fallout from the incident is still ongoing.

14. Death of children in US custody

One such fallout was the widespread condemnation of the conditions inside the detention facilities which led to the death of six migrant children. Children were forced to sleep on the floor in very crowded facilities, no adequate access to food or adequate health care, and extremely poor sanitation conditions.

15. Corporate investments

Trump said that corporations are going to invest their tax-cut savings. Instead, they spent a lot more money trying to buy back their shares of their own stock than they invested in facilities and new equipment. The stock buybacks didn’t do much to boost the economy but it did increase bonuses to executives and payouts to rich investors.

16. Tax cut for middle America

The tax cut that Trump promised to middle-class American families never materialized. In fact, a preliminary analysis of the effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act predicted that by 2027 most Americans will end up paying more.

17. Outsourcing jobs

Trump promised to crack down on companies who were outsourcing jobs abroad and to keep jobs in the country. But because of his new tax law, it gave companies the incentives to expand their operations overseas. The resulting trade wars also helped to encourage companies to move their productions abroad.

18. Increasing wages

A lot of Trump supporters were promised an increase in wages up to $4,000 for the average American family. What happened instead was wages remained flat, adjusted for inflation. Meanwhile, corporate profits continue to soar high and the wealthy become even richer.

19. Approach to foreign policy

When it comes to dealings with other nations, Trump has a decidedly peculiar, almost reckless, approach. Most of his foreign policy strategies do more harm than good to American alliances. This is clearly evident in how he tackled state relations with Iran and his decision to pull out US troops in Syria.

20. Nuclear deal and Iran

The administration’s decision to withdraw the country from the 2015 nuclear deal resulted in chaos throughout the Middle East. US allies heavily who signed the deal condemned the decision. Trump has failed to curtail Iran’s aggression within the region. A series of incidents in the Persian Gulf resulted in escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington and helped sparked fears of an all-out war.

21. Pulling out US troops in Syria

Trump also made the decision to pull the troops out of Northern Syria, effectively abandoning US-allied Kurdish forces who took most of the brunt during the US-led campaign to fight ISIS. It resulted in a humanitarian crisis and left a security vacuum that Iran, Russian, and Syrian president and accused war criminal Bashar al-Assad benefited from.

22. Impeachment

On December 18, President Trump was impeached in the House of Representatives. The House approved two articles of impeachment against Trump. One was for abuse of power, the other was for obstruction of Congress. He urged Ukraine to conduct investigations on his political rivals by withholding $400 million of congressionally-approved military aid from the country, which was in the midst of fighting an ongoing war against pro-Russian separatists.

23. Response to the coronavirus pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, every time Trump speaks, he only adds to the fear and chaos happening all around. He initially told Americans the virus was not serious. Then, he asserted his hunches about the available data. After which, he gave an assurance that a vaccine would be available within 12 to 18 months. Plus, he even forbade Europeans from entering the country. And he wrongly announced that Google was working on a website to help with testing. After every statement made by Trump, there was a need to clarify everything he said.

24. Mass testing

The administration’s incompetence was highlighted once again during Trump’s actions (or inactions) during the pandemic. The biggest glaring failure of the administration was in failing to have enough tests available to determine the infected and to screen others for possible exposure. In contrast, South Korea was conducting thousands of more tests per day than the US. The lack of tests led to authorities failing to understand the scope of the pandemic and to take necessary steps to curb its spread.

25. Numerous embarrassing gaffes

Trump once confused 9/11 with 7 Eleven during a campaign rally back in 2016. He mistook the Virgin Islands as a separate nation and not part of US territory. During a press briefing, he inaccurately stated that the 1918 Spanish Flu helped end World War II. And to celebrate his wife’s return to the White House after a stint in the hospital for a kidney condition, Trump misspelled Melania, referring to her as Melanie. These and many more helped erode the credibility of Trump’s position.

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11 Comments

11 Comments

  1. ROBERT A PHELPS

    August 29, 2021 at 2:50 am

    Trump failures? REALLY!!! Where did you people come from under ROCK!! These saw call Failures, are NOT Failures! This American and Veteran see’s these as success. Made this country Strong and Proud and supported American people. So, since President Biden is in office, this person, struck down most, if not all of these saw call Failures! Factual! LIES this article states of each. People, need to pull your head out of your ass! its’s getting really bad, and American’s have already died. Because, of these saw call Failures being reversed. Your saw call President Biden and his vice President true idiote’s. President Trump will be back in 2024 to cleanup this democratic administration and hopefully, the voters who voted for this senile man come to their senses!!

    • Cheryl Shouse

      March 19, 2022 at 11:03 pm

      I think most everyone can see this is all b…s… Trump did so many of the things he promised he would , he has to be the greatest president in MY lifetime (61 years). All these things listed only helped our country. I wish China Joe would have spent his first and however more he may serve at the beach on vacation. Our country and our pocketbooks would be alot better off!!

      • Emily

        November 7, 2022 at 2:58 am

        He didn’t do ANY of the things promised. Manufacturing? He lost 170,000 jobs. He nearly KILLED agriculture with his tariffs that drove overseas purchasers to buy elsewhere. All of the above are true. We know what you liked. He gave you permission to be vile to people you don’t like. And that, horrifically, is enough for you.

      • David

        December 11, 2022 at 4:33 am

        This is just the tip of the iceberg, many of his uneducated followers are rebutting this list but facts do not lie. Historians who rate all presidents equally throughout history voted him the worst president in the modern era. And if he was so great why didn’t he get re-elected. Cmon people wake up.

        • moe

          June 3, 2023 at 1:43 am

          he is the goddamn biggest idiot blow hard bully coward no leader this great country has or ever will have seen

    • Ruth L Mackey

      May 14, 2023 at 11:48 am

      Trump is our biggest disaster!!!! The world views Trump as a joke. Trump is only about ‘Trump’ not the people’s interests!!!

    • Philip

      November 15, 2023 at 12:42 pm

      Can’t argue with brain washed

    • Philip

      November 15, 2023 at 12:42 pm

      Can’t argue with brain dead

  2. Pete

    September 27, 2021 at 2:52 pm

    I disagree strongly with most of your listed failures of Trump. He did a lot of good for this country, stopped illegal border crossings, reduced taxes, stopped flights coming in from China at the beginning of the Pandemic, reduced inflation, created jobs for low & middle income workers, reversed the Iran Nuclear deal, pulled our troops out of Syria, they were in harms way, you should know that!
    Muslim travel ban from Libya, Syria, Sudan, Somalia, Iraq, Iran, and Yemen. No wreaks havoc within our country, it was welcomed by most Americans who know that many Terrorist resided in those countries and hated Americans. He did this and many more things even during the 2 fake political Impeachment hearings.

    • Schmoots

      January 28, 2022 at 3:49 pm

      He let many American’s travel back from China with no tracking, testing, etc. Made fun of the pandemic, refused to set an example by wearing a mask, received his vaccination behind closed door, Instigated the Jan 6th attack on our capital, etc, etc, etc. TOTAL failure in my book. How many thousands of people died because of his Covid policies (or lack of)????

  3. Catherine Short

    July 5, 2023 at 5:43 am

    I might be late coming to this conversation and truth be told, I really don’t even have a dog in the fight. I’m Australian and have lived all my life in Australia and from where I sit, America you got rid of Trump just in time. He was flushing your country down the shitter and the only people that would have been left floating would have been Trump and all his rich mates. The best thing to happen to your country in a long time is Joseph Biden. He loves you and your country he has devoted his life to working for all of you. He sees your struggles and has the political experience to implement policies that benefit everyone. The only thing stopping your country from being great again, are all the crazy MAGA lunatics who keep voting no to every bill put forward designed to benefit the people who need it most. Open your eyes and stop watching Fox News. Its ok. You made a mistake. You were conned by one of the best con artists on the planet. There’s no disgrace in that. A lot of people fell for his bullshit. But its time to move forward and put this disaster behind you.

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10 Design Pickle Alternatives to Get Even Better Designs

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Looking for an alternative to Design Pickle? We have just the list for you.

Design subscriptions are now popular amongst entrepreneurs, small businesses, and even corporate giants. The model is simple: you pay a flat monthly rate and get as much design help as you need – websites, custom illustrations, branding assets, ad design, packaging design, and more.

In a world where traditional agencies charge exorbitant fees and the freelance market is hit or miss, more and more brands are opting for this simple, comprehensive design solution. If you have no time to vet freelancers for every project and no budget for a team of in-house designers, this might be a perfect fit for you.

We went ahead and ranked the top unlimited graphic design companies in the industry that rival Design Pickle.

1. Penji

One of the top competitors of Design Pickle is Penji. This is because Penji offers a very comparable gamut of design services at a lower price point. Penji is one of the biggest unlimited graphic design providers in the industry and has consistently received strong reviews (4.8 average) across sites like Trustpilot, Facebook, and Google.

Penji stands out for its responsive customer service and exceptional designers. Their user-friendly platform makes requesting designs simple, allowing users to easily navigate and communicate with their designer. Each tier of Penji’s subscription is tailored to cater to diverse requirements, be it ad creatives, presentation designs, or motion graphics, ensuring various types of clients get the most value for their dollar.

Why we recommend:
– Designers are matched to your project based on their skillset and your specific need
– Penji offers logo designs, illustrations, and UX/UI for apps & websites
– Their customer support is responsive and quick
– There are over 100 design services to choose from
– You get access to a Project Manager or Art Director at higher tiers

Price: $499-$1497

2. Superside

Superside is a well-known company offering scalable design solutions that are suitable for brands of various sizes, from startups to large enterprises. Their services are priced significantly higher than other graphic design services, so they’re best for companies with larger budgets.

Why we recommend:
– You get access to a dedicated design team
– They offer static and motion ad creative for testing ads
– They’ve worked with big brands like Google, Shopify, and Meta
– Superside’s video production quality is top notch
– If you run out of design credits, you can order more at any tier

Price: $5,000-$13,000 (50-150 credits)

3. Fiverr

Fiverr is the only non-subscription service on the list, but many people don’t realize that individual freelancers can now offer subscriptions on Fiverr. The platform is famous for its wide range of freelance services at an incredibly affordable price. Typically, Fiverr matches you with a freelancer for a one-off project like a logo or website design. You might be able to get a logo for just $15, but in-demand designers might charge you $1000-2000 for a website.

Why we recommend:
– Fiverr manages the relationship, making financial transactions safer
– There’s no need to waste time or money hiring a full-time designer if you don’t need one
– You can choose from hundreds of designers to find the exact style you like

Price: varies widely (You might be able to get a logo for just $15, but in-demand designers might charge you $1000-2000 for a website.)

4. Flocksy

Flocksy is another unlimited graphic design service much like Penji and Superside. The company has a decent reputation online and offers comparable services to other design subscriptions. However, there are two major differences: They offer copywriting and video editing. Flocksy gives you access to an easy-to-use platform for submitting requests, tracking progress, and communicating with the creative team.

Why we recommend:
– Flocksy offers video editing and copywriting in their two highest tiers
– You can get Zapier integrations at every tier if desired
– They offer a 14-day money back guarantee if you choose not to continue

Price: $499-$1695

5. ManyPixels

Manypixels is another growing company that offers a similar service to Design Pickle at a comparable price. The company boasts clients like Teachable and Buffer. You can also get free stock assets from Manypixels, which is a nice perk to complement unlimited designs.

Why we recommend:
– Have an intuitive online platform for communication and storing files
– Pay monthly, quarterly, or yearly (save 10% quarterly, 20% yearly)
– Get a designated designer at the highest tier and collaborate in real-time

Price: $549-$1299

6. Kimp

Kimp is similar to other graphic design subscription services but offers unique pricing tiers. Unlike its competitors, Kimp provides both design and video services without requiring separate plans, ensuring a comprehensive creative solution. Clients also benefit from dedicated design and video teams, ensuring consistent quality and brand alignment across all projects.

Why we recommend:
– Choose only what you need: video, graphics, or both
– A speedy 2-4 day turnaround for video projects
– Kimp offers a 2-month discount as you’re getting started
– Get free stock video, audio and images in their top tier

Price: $599-$995

7. DesignJoy

DesignJoy came along just two years after Superside and have similar price range. They’re a big name in the design industry because they’ve worked with brands like Google and Verizon. Their standard tier allows you the manage unlimited brands along with unlimited users and stock photos.

Why we recommend:
– Webflow development available on both tiers
– Unlimited users on their higher tier
– You can refer a friend and get 5% monthly recurring commissions

Price: $4,995-$7,995

8. Delesign

Delesign has existed since 2017 and has leveled up its services each year. For the same price as many others on the list, Delesign also offers 2D animation videos. We’re not sure of the quality, length, or requirements, but this is a great bonus for brands that want to incorporate it.

Why we recommend:
– 2D animation videos are included in the package
– Guarantees quick turnaround times for initial drafts: 24 to 48 hours
– Zapier and Slack integrations on every plan

Price: $599 – $1799

9. No Limit Creatives

Roughly the same age as Delesign, No Limit Creatives is another design services that has grown in notoriety in recent years. They’re unique in that they offer 4 tiers for graphic design while most offer 3. Like Kimp, they have a tier for graphics and video, and each tier allows a different number of requests at a time. Their lowest price tier uses design credits much like Superside’s model.

Why we recommend:
– Get a dedicated design team on 3 out of 4 tiers
– A whopping 3 requests at a time are available at the highest tier
– The highest tier also offers real-time communication through Slack
– NLC provides video editing and video creation

Price: $499-1499

10. Kapa99

Kapa99 is a small company but they compete well with larger competitors like Design Pickle. They’ve been around since 2014 and thus have had plenty of time to perfect their craft. Kapa’s tiers are split into just two: Business and Business Express. Express offers speedier delivery for clients with more pressing deadlines.

Why we recommend:
– They offer a significant discount for the first two months of your subscription
– There’s no limit to how many ‘active tasks’ you can have on your dashboard
– Native Adobe source files
– Canva file delivery

Price: $499-$999

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10 Environmental Organizations and Nonprofits To Save the World

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soil on hand

Making positive changes in our lifestyle is a powerful way to tackle important issues. Supporting charities is another great way to help the environment, make a difference, and build a better future. In this light, now is a great opportunity for government, business, and individuals to back environmental nonprofits. Here are ten groups working for a sustainable future that you can support. Get started by choosing an organization that really connects with your values.  

1. World Wildlife Fund for Nature

wwf website page

This Swiss-based NGO focuses on conserving nature and reducing human environmental impact. Acknowledged for its work with endangered species, WWF has expanded its mission to cater to specific animals and landscapes and to more significant issues that affect them. 

WWF partners with governments, businesses, and other environmental organizations to implement policies and programs protecting wildlife, nature, and the global climate. 

How to get involved: Sign up to take action on a particular campaign, adopt a species, participate in one of its partner-led conservation tips, or get updates on its causes. 

2. One Percent For the Planet

One Percent For the Planet is a global convergence of businesses, environmental organizations, and individuals working together for a healthy planet. Founder Yvon Chouinard (also Founder of Patagonia) started the organization to bring ” dollars and doers” together to create change. Member brands commit one percent of their profits to support environmental action. The organization ensures those donations go to trusted nonprofits involved in wildlife and nature conservation, reforestation, ocean cleanups, and other environmental efforts.

How to get involved: Become a business member and donate 1% of your annual sales directly to One Percent for the Planet’sPlanet’s environmental partners network.  

3. Fashion Revolution

Fashion Revolution is a worldwide movement bringing people and brands together towards creating a safer, cleaner, and fairer fashion industry. Founded after the Rana Plaza collapse in 2013, Fashion Revolution believes that collaboration across the value chain is the best way to transform the industry radically. It works with global coordinators to host events every year for an entire week in April to inspire consumers and brands to take a closer look at how and by whom their clothes were made.

How to get involved: Participate in the #WhoMadeMyClothes campaign all year round, especially during Fashion Revolution Week, which takes place annually in late April. 

4. Earthjustice

earthjustice website

Earthjustice attorneys support various significant environmental policies, such as the Endangered Species Act and the Clean Air Act. Earthjustice works with activists, national politicians, international policymakers, and individuals to protect and strengthen laws to benefit people and a healthy planet. 

How to get involved: Make a one-time or monthly donation and support essential campaigns.

5. Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)

The Natural Resources Defense Council aims to safeguard the Earth, including its people, plants, and animals. Founded in the 1970s by a team of law students and attorneys, NRDC is now a membership-based organization that works with lawyers, activists, scientists, businesses, and individuals to identify problems and formulate sustainable solutions. NRDC also ensures that everybody has the right to clean air, clean water, and healthy wild spaces.

How to get involved: Make a one-time or monthly donation, or add your voice to essential campaigns.   

6. Conservation International

conservation international webpage

Conservation International (CI) aims to protect the Earth to provide us with fresh water, adequate food, sustainable livelihood, and a stable climate. CI works with governments, business leaders, and individuals to implement doable solutions to climate change-related problems. In its 30 years of operation, the organization has successfully protected more than 601 hectares of land, marine, and coastal areas.

How to get involved: A $25 donation here will protect one acre of forest. Other ways to get involved with CI include:

  • Subscribing to receive conservation news and calls to action in your inbox.
  • Taking the “I Need Nature and Climate Action Pledge.”
  • Reading their tips for greener living.

7. Rainforest Alliance

The Rainforest Alliance is a nonprofit working to create a better future for people and the Planet. They offer a certification program for brands selling rainforest-friendly products. They also work alongside activists, businesses, small farmers, and forest communities to drive positive social, environmental, and economic change across forest landscapes.

How to get involved: Promote their frog seal while shopping for rainforest-dependent products such as tea, coffee, chocolate, and paper. Environment-conscious travelers can even opt for Rainforest Alliance-certified hotels and tours worldwide.

8. Greenpeace

greenpeace web page

Greenpeace is an international environmental organization whose mission is to create a green, peaceful, and ecologically diverse world. It relies on its membership of activists, students, educators, scientists, and environmentalists to investigate issues and solutions, lobby governments, and show up for actions against climate change. 

How to get involved: Join a local group of activists and follow along with Greenpeace’s journalism site, Unearthed. Donations are also welcome.

9. Lonely Whale Foundation

Lonely Whale Foundation works with businesses and entrepreneurs to develop environmental business models, gets involved in communities to educate the next generation better, and initiates global movements to address plastic pollution in our oceans.

How to get involved: Check out current campaigns to get involved in or donate.

10. 350.org

With members in over 180 countries, 350.org uses social media campaigns, grassroots organizations, and collective public action to support clean energy solutions. Its primary objectives are to reduce carbon footprint, help build a zero-carbon economy, and make governments accountable for limiting their emissions. 

How to get involved: Join a local group near you and support the initiatives they are working on. You can also start your own or donate if you are far from an existing group.  

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Up in the Air: The Dark Side of Balloon Releases

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balloons in the sky

While balloons bring momentary delight in celebrations and events, this tradition poses ecological challenges we often forget. They are harmful to wildlife, marine ecosystems, natural resources, and even toddlers. Balloons filled with helium look so pretty in the sky. However, they can’t stay afloat for so long. Each of these balloons pops and plunges to the earth, turning into trash. This is why balloon releases should be banned. 

How the Tradition of Balloon Releases Harms the Environment

Releasing balloons has become a customary practice in local events, including schools, weddings, and memorials, with origin tracing back to the 1940s. We acknowledge the emotional significance of traditions, like those we’ve seen in sporting events with fireworks, marching bands, and cool mascots. However, it is becoming more evident that haphazard balloon releases have several harmful implications for the environment. 

Indy 500
The Iconic Indianapolis 500 Balloon Launch in May 2019. Source: speedsport.com

Insert image: The Indy 500 balloon launch

Caption: The Iconic Indianapolis 500 Balloon Launch in May 2019. Source: speedsport.com

In May 2019, The Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) continued its tradition of releasing balloons before the start of the Indianapolis 500. The IMS claims that its balloons are biodegradable. However, studies conducted to test these claims still raise a big question and pose a substantial environmental risk. 

Then, in 2022, the IMS management confirmed that the pre-race “Balloon Launch” has been paused indefinitely. 

Regardless of what the Indy 500 does, several people and organizations still do balloon releases. Here are some reasons they harm the environment and potential alternatives to flying balloons. 

Balloons are bad for wildlife and marine ecosystems.

deflated balloons in the ocean

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) emphasizes that wildlife can confuse a balloon’s small, bright pieces as food. The agency points out that the balloons released into the air don’t merely go away. They either get stuck on something like electrical wires or tree branches. Others may deflate and plummet into the ground, where they can create many problems. 

Balloons that are not disposed of properly end up in the ocean and along the shores, and worse, they can be mistaken for food by wildlife and marine animals. Strings or ribbons attached to the balloon, on the other hand, can cause entanglement and other injuries. 

Another major problem is marine debris.

Experts are also worried about balloons becoming marine debris. Solid waste, found in global water bodies and the accumulation of such waste along waterway shorelines, is termed marine debris. Marine debris is frequently cited as one of the most widespread issues in global marine pollution.

7 Alternatives to Balloon Releases

person releasing a balloon

At first, we are hesitant to talk about this because we know how sentimental balloon releases are in many communities, organizations, and families. Fortunately, there are several alternatives to balloon launches.

A non-profit organization called Clearwater Marine Aquarium recommends seven potential alternatives to balloon launches, including the following: 

  • Flags 
  • Banners 
  • Streamers 
  • Kites 
  • Pinwheels 
  • Bubbles 
  • Floating Flowers 

Do you want to make a meaningful contribution to save Mother Nature? Now is the best opportunity to help!  Next time you’re thinking about celebrating, try these environmentally friendly replacements for balloons. 

Conclusion 

Our effort has exposed the environmental hazard that balloon celebration may bring to our plant. We must reassess our traditions and consider some eco-friendly alternatives to commemorate special events. Let us prioritize sustainability and make informed choices to make a lasting impact on the environment. It’s time to deflate the myths and rise above the challenges associated with balloon releases. 

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