eco-friendly sky lanterns with a patented in-built fireguard
by Michael Smith (Veshengro)
In response to safety fears over the fire risks posed by Chinese lanterns, Sky Orbs the firm behind the first wire-free, 100% biodegradable sky lanterns, has developed eco-friendly sky lanterns with a patented in-built fireguard.
Available from February, the innovative design is protected by global patent and also features a non-drip fuel cell and fireproof string and paper, making Sky Orbs Safety Sky Lanterns (from £2.99) the safest on the market.
The fireproof silica blanket sits underneath the fuel cell, creating a protective barrier to minimize fire risks in the event of the lantern returning to the earth whilst ignited. Completely non-combustible, the mechanism envelops and raises the fuel cell above the ground allowing the non-drip fuel cell to harmlessly burn out.
Wire free and constructed from flameproof, eco-friendly materials, Sky Orbs’ new generation of lanterns are wildlife friendly and feature an innovative non-drip fuel cell which has a controlled burn time to create a beautiful spectacle before burning out and floating gently back to the ground.
Says Sky Orbs’ founder, Chris Burton: “We wanted to enable the public to enjoy Chinese lanterns without any nagging safety fears. There has been a lot of negative publicity recently, and low quality, budget Chinese lanterns just don’t have the safety features that offer peace of mind. Although the risks of an ignited lantern returning to earth are small – for example in the event of windy conditions causing the balloon to collapse, our new Chinese lanterns address these issues, which combined with sensible deployment mean that Sky Orbs’ lanterns can be enjoyed safely."
Sky Orbs safety lanterns cost £2.99 each for plain white and coloured designs. Personalised, printed and novelty designs cost from £3.29. To buy online visit www.skyorbs.co.uk
However, while it is good to see that someone is taking the safety concerns as to the Chinese Lanterns being a fire hazard to heart it is not only the fire issues that are a concern to farmers, park staff, and countryside managers. It is also the framing, the fact that there are wires included, and such.
In addition to that those glowing orbs also confuse wildlife left, right and center and as far as many of us are concerned, myself included, Chinese Lanterns should be discontinued.
They are a rather new phenomenon and were never seen before the advent of the new millennium properly but have become a major nuisance by now, that relatively short space of time of a decade or so.
Chinese Lanterns cause serious environmental problems in that they little up the countryside, parks and elsewhere and often they end up hanging in trees where they are an unsightly spectacle for many days to weeks.
While I do not wish to spoil anyone's enjoyment and fun there are things that just should have put a stop to and those glowing orbs are one of them.
© 2012
