Helium Shortage? Come on, Man
So the University of Nebraska has decided to cease its first score tradition of releasing thousands of balloons into the air during its home games because of a helium shortage.
Come on, man. Why not stop it because it’s just plain WRONG. It’s an environmentally insensitive act witnessed by thousands, the akin to mass-scale littering. Instead, why not throw some confetti into the air that can be swept up by the stadium cleaners, fire cannons, shoot fireworks, etc. A lot of schools have a lot of traditions that don’t hurt the environment.
“Okay,” you say, “lighten up Francis.” Alright, if I choose that route then I have no place to complain when an fisherman leaves line at a lake or a hunter refuses to ever pick up any spent hulls.
Maybe the university is using the “helium shortage” as a cop out to do the right thing. I certainly hope so.
One last note: I’ve been to a Nebraska football game and religiously watch them every week during the fall. Releasing the balloons just isn’t that big of a deal. “But it’s tradition,” you may say. No, Nebraska’s football tradition is WINNING. Not being irresponsible.
JK
Well stated. Being responsible is a benefit for all, including all wildlife species.
Good grief!
Must we give up everything in the name of the environment, What about those stupid wind turbines that are killing thousands of birds. I am one person who is tired of people who want me to give up a little fun on a very few days each years, but support (or remain silent) on environmental disasters created under the phony guise of saving the planet. Go fishing on Saturdays and leave the rest of us alone.
It’s not that we have to give up everything, but we have to be responsible when we can. I waste as much gas as the next hunter looking for places to dove and duck hunt, and have left a hull or two in the field because I couldn’t find them or just plain forgot, and I think both of these are inexcusable if not done properly. Why not shoot one bird, drop your hat near where you shot to find your hull, pick up your bird, and then go find your hull. Or team up with a couple of buddies and all scout together. Just being a bit responsible is better than nothing.
The balloons just makes no sense to me whatsoever unless the University of Nebraska pays a huge fine each time they release them (which they should anyway). If I’m ticketed for throwing a McDonald’s bag from my car window in front of a cop, what gives the University the right to mass litter?
I’m surprised they managed to get away with it for this long without drawing environmental criticism.