Daily Inspiration: Meet Christian Daniels

Today we’d like to introduce you to Christian Daniels

Hi Christian, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I grew up hiking in Joshua Tree and Death Valley, I noticed the shimmer of Mylar balloons wherever I hiked. When I learned that desert tortoises, sea turtles and other wildlife can mistake balloons for wildflowers or other food sources I felt like I had to do something about it. I started by picking up balloons and encouraging other hikers to do the same. It was apparent that I couldn’t get them all. I decided to try and stop the flow of released balloons by starting a social media initiative. The Desert Balloon Project Facebook Page soon gained popularity and a movement of outdoor enthusiasts was formed. Now we have hikers, sportsmen, off-roaders, horseback riders and other groups picking up balloons! More importantly, we are educating the public about the dangers of releasing Mylar balloons. I really enjoy setting up at community events and informing kids to be responsible with balloons. Balloons are fun and kids love them. If we can teach kids to be responsible with balloons, it will set a lifelong standard! I have been very fortunate to be recognized by PETA and the Hero2Animals Award. I’ve had a lot of success writing bills and law being for balloon release restrictions. I started the DBP when I was 15 and it’s been growing for the past 4 years. We have 3000 loyal contributors on Facebook. As a group we have hiked thousands of miles and picked up almost 10,000 balloons! There is no telling how many turtles and tortoises have been saved by the awareness and by the passionate people. My goal is to continue educating the public and to clean up our south western deserts.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My year is split between hiking weather where I can get out and lead hikes and clean up the deserts and when it gets too hot, I concentrate on community events and educating kids on the dangers of releasing balloons. I use this time to write to politicians and encourage them to look at the problem. The challenges making them aware that it really does affect wildlife easily controlled.
Now that I’m older and working on becoming a firefighter time management is the real issue. Between schoolwork for the firefighter Explorer program and my job as a lifeguard. It’s difficult to find the time I would like to get out and do the grass route work. I’m very fortunate that social media has started like a snowball, rolling downhill and it’s growing on its own.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m really proud of the fact that I was able to identify a problem at a very young age, and turn it in to a movement where other people recognize the problem and want to be part of the solution

What are your plans for the future?
My ultimate goal is to have the mass release of balloons restricted all over. I want to see tortoise and sea turtle numbers come back. I’ll continue to educate kids and work diligently to protect our environment and wildlife.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Desert Balloon Project
• Facebook: Desert Balloon Project