Chinese lanterns, also known as sky lanterns or Kongming lanterns, are small hot air balloons made of paper, with an opening at the bottom where a small fire is suspended. They are a traditional Chinese invention, used ceremonially for centuries. In recent years however, Chinese lanterns have become popular worldwide for recreational purposes. Their beauty as they float up into the night sky is mesmerizing.
Unfortunately, Chinese lanterns also pose some potentially serious hazards. There are risks of fire, injuries to wildlife, litter, and light pollution. Many places have banned the use of sky lanterns because of these environmental concerns.
If you have Chinese lanterns, there are some precautions you can take to use them more safely. You may also be interested in getting rid of leftover lanterns you won’t be able to use. This article provides all the key information you need on how to control or get rid of Chinese lanterns.
Safely Using Chinese Lanterns
If you want to launch Chinese lanterns, here are some tips to reduce risks:
Choose Locations Carefully
- Avoid dry areas prone to wildfires. Skip launching lanterns anywhere there is a burn ban or high fire risk warnings.
- Launch over water if possible. Rivers, lakes, ponds and the ocean are safer places for sky lanterns to land than dry brush.
- Pick a calm day. Don’t use Chinese lanterns if it’s windy, as you’ll lose control of them more easily.
- Clear space overhead. Make sure there aren’t any power lines, trees or buildings too close overhead that lanterns could get stuck in.
- Get permits if required. Some places require permits or licenses to use sky lanterns. Check your local regulations.
Take Precautions When Lighting Lanterns
- Use fire-resistant gloves and long sticks/poles to light lanterns from a distance.
- Keep a bucket of water, fire extinguisher or hose nearby when launching.
- Only use high-quality firestarters meant for lighting lanterns. Avoid flammable liquids.
- Light outdoors only in a clear area away from flammable materials. Don’t light indoors.
- Don’t release lanterns on windy days when they are more likely to blow back or drift far off course.
Use Safer Sky Lantern Designs
- Choose lanterns made with fire-resistant materials like special rice papers. Avoid regular tissue paper.
- Use lanterns with wire frames rather than bamboo, which burns more easily.
- Get lanterns with battery-operated candles instead of real flames if possible. These reusable LED lanterns are much safer.
- Buy sky lanterns designed to extinguish themselves before landing, such as models with fire retardant panels.
- Consider flying mini lanterns that are smaller and more flame-resistant for reduced risk.
Clean Up Afterwards Properly
- Never release sky lanterns near dry grass, forests or fields. The intact remains could start fires.
- Always make plans to retrieve lanterns after they float back down. Search the area promptly.
- Bring trash bags to collect fallen lantern remnants which could be litter if left.
- Soak remains in water before disposing to ensure no embers linger.
- Do not light Chinese lanterns near sea turtle nesting sites, as they may disturb mother and baby turtles.
Getting Rid of Unwanted Chinese Lanterns
You may have some Chinese lanterns left over that you don’t plan to use. Maybe they were impulse buys, leftovers from an event, or damaged. Here’s how to properly dispose of unwanted sky lanterns:
Deflate and Disassemble Lanterns
- Use scissors to cut open the paper shell so it cannot hold air.
- Peel apart the paper sections to flatten lanterns completely.
- Remove wires, candles and plastic parts from lanterns before recycling or trashing paper shell.
- Deflate mini foil sky lanterns by snipping off their plastic air vents.
Recycle What You Can
- Recycle paper shells at facilities that take paper products like cardboard and newsprint.
- Recycle wire frames at metal recycling drop-offs where available.
- Reuse candles for other purposes or melt down wax to make new candles.
Throw Out Trash Responsibly
- Bag up plastic pieces, wires or wax for the regular trash if they can’t be recycled.
- Take remains to a dedicated waste station so nothing blows away as litter.
- Soak paper shells in water before discarding to be sure no heat lingers.
- Cut slits in paper to prevent someone from reusing thrown out sky lanterns.
Donate Unused Lanterns
- Offer extra Chinese lanterns to friends or family who might use them.
- Donate new lanterns to charity fundraisers or cultural events.
- Sell extra sky lanterns online to reuse rather than having them go to waste.
Dangers of Chinese Lanterns
While beautiful, Chinese lanterns do pose some safety and environmental risks that are important to consider:
Fire Hazards
The open flames used to fill Chinese lanterns with hot air can lead to accidental fires if not handled properly. Sky lanterns may also remain lit even after landing, starting brush fires.
Injuries to Livestock and Wildlife
Animals can get cut up by lantern wire frames or sickened by ingesting fallen paper debris. Sea turtles and birds are especially prone to lantern hazards.
Litter and Light Pollution
Paper, wires and plastic remnants of spent lanterns persist as unsightly litter and trash in the environment. The glow given off also adds to excessive light pollution.
Legal Consequences
It is illegal to use Chinese lanterns in many areas due to fire risks and litter concerns. You could face fines or even jail for violations.
Alternatives to Chinese Lanterns
Here are some options to consider instead of risky sky lanterns:
Fireworks and Flares
Professional aerial fireworks displays are safer and more controlled. Handheld sparklers, fountains and flares also provide lighting with less hazard.
Candles
Lit candles send flickering flames up into the air too, although not as high up as Chinese lanterns. Votive and pillar candles are inexpensive.
Paper Lanterns
Paper lanterns strung on wires glow beautifully at night events without any fire danger involved. Kids enjoy making them too.
Drones
Small lighting drones can be programmed to put on impressive aerial light shows at the press of a button.
Balloons
Regular helium balloons will float up high when released. Just use 100% biodegradable latex balloons to avoid litter.
Floating Flowers
Make mini floating flowers using cypress vines and flowers with battery-powered LED lights inserted. They resemble floating lanterns.
Key Takeaways on Chinese Lanterns
- Exercise extreme caution if you choose to use Chinese lanterns – pick safe places away from flammables and make fire safety provisions.
- Deflate and cut up unwanted lanterns before recycling paper shells and metal wires or disposing the remains.
- Be aware of fire risks, litter hazards and illegality issues surrounding sky lanterns in many regions.
- Consider safer alternatives like candles, drones or balloons for creating floating lights.
With proper handling procedures and disposal methods, Chinese lanterns can be used minimally for short ceremonies or celebrations. But very careful precautions are essential, and alternative floating lights are often a better option. Follow the guidance in this article to control or get rid of Chinese lanterns safely and responsibly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Chinese lanterns illegal?
Chinese lanterns are completely banned in some places, while other areas require permits or restrict use during high fire risk conditions. Check your local laws.
Do Chinese lanterns come back down?
Yes, the lanterns will come back down after the fuel burns out, usually within 30-90 minutes depending on the size. But wind can make them drift far away.
Can Chinese lanterns start fires?
Absolutely – Chinese lanterns present a high fire hazard, especially in dry fields and forests. Accidental fires can be started by improper handling or if the lantern isn’t fully extinguished when it lands.
Are Chinese lanterns biodegradable?
Most Chinese lanterns today use biodegradable rice paper which will degrade over time. However, the wire frames and plastic parts will remain as non-biodegradable trash.
Are there reusable Chinese lanterns?
Yes, reusable LED Chinese lanterns powered by batteries are a much safer option. The LED candles don’t rely on a live flame, and the lanterns can be flown repeatedly.
Can Chinese lanterns hurt animals?
Yes, the falling wires and paper remnants of Chinese lanterns can injure livestock and wildlife if they ingest them. The lights also disrupt migrating birds and sea turtles.
How do you throw away Chinese lanterns?
Cut apart the paper shells completely so they won’t retain heat, then soak in water before recycling or trashing. Remove wires and plastic pieces first before discarding responsibly.
What are better alternatives to Chinese lanterns?
Some safer alternatives include floating candles, paper lanterns, lighting drones, professional fireworks shows, and biodegradable latex balloons.
How long do Chinese lanterns burn?
On average, the heat source in a Chinese lantern will keep it airborne for 30-90 minutes depending on the size and fuel amount, after which the lantern will descend. Wind can also shorten float time.
Can you reuse Chinese lanterns?
Most Chinese lanterns cannot be reused, as the paper rips and destroys the integrity when lit the first time. Some reusable LED battery-powered lanterns are an exception. But in general, traditional Chinese lanterns are single use.
Conclusion
Chinese lanterns can create beautiful lighting when used properly, but also pose substantial risks that must be taken seriously. Follow the safety tips covered here if you do choose to launch sky lanterns. Also make sure to clean up lantern debris thoroughly afterwards, and dispose of unneeded lanterns in a responsible way. Considering safer alternative lights is highly recommended by experts. With cautious practices, you can either control the hazards of Chinese lanterns or avoid using them altogether.