When it comes to festive decorations, balloons are hard to beat. They’re cheerful, and colorful, and can be used to create a positive atmosphere in any setting. But many people don’t know that balloons aren’t as environmentally friendly as they seem.
Latex balloons are supposedly biodegradable, but they take months to decompose, while helium balloons take much longer. At this point, many states have banned balloon releases for the sake of the environment.
In 2018, over 11 percent of the 146.1 million tons of municipal waste products were rubber, leather, and textiles that were landfilled.
The use of balloons at birthday parties is particularly concerning. When latex balloons are released into the air, they often end up deflated and lying on the ground. This is not only an eyesore, but it’s also dangerous for animals who might step on them and get injured. Even when helium balloons are released, they often fall back down to earth and can cause environmental damage when they do.
Types of Material used in Balloons
The composition of a balloon determines its strength and Biodegradability. Latex balloons were originally made from animal parts but now they are made from plant-based materials and chemicals. The material used for the balloon will affect how strong it is and how long it takes to decompose.
Latex Balloons
Latex balloons are made from a rubber called latex. Latex comes from the sap of plants like rubber trees and is mixed with other chemicals to create different types of rubber. Balloon manufacturers often market latex balloons as “biodegradable.” However, latex balloons can take anywhere from six months to four years to decompose completely, depending on their environment.
This lengthy decomposition process is because latex balloons are also photodegradable, meaning that sunlight accelerates their breakdown. While some balloon manufacturers are looking into alternatives to latex, such as biodegradable plastics, there is no perfect solution yet. In the meantime, it is important to be aware of the environmental impact of latex balloons and choose wisely when celebrating special occasions.
Helium Balloons
When it comes to party decorations, helium-filled balloons are a popular choice. They come in a variety of colors and sizes and can be used to create a festive atmosphere. However, most balloons are not biodegradable, and they can take months to break down completely. If you’re planning to release balloons at a party or other event, be sure to dispose of them properly afterward.
They take 3–4 months to disintegrate completely, depending on whether they fall on land or in water. For example, if they fall into the sea, they can take more than a year to decompose.
Mylar Balloons
Mylar balloons are a type of balloon made from plastic nylon sheets with a metallic coating. They are often used as party decorations and are known for their shininess and durability. Mylar balloons can be easily designed in different shapes, sizes, and colors, and will stay inflated for over two weeks when filled with helium. While mylar balloons are popular party decorations, they also have a negative environmental impact.
Mylar balloons can cause thousands of power outages every year when they come into contact with power lines or circuit breakers. In addition, mylar balloons are very wasteful. They are made from two different materials, and when they biodegrade, the mylar base material takes much longer than the foil outer layer. This means that mylar balloons can take years to decompose, and end up in landfills where they will not biodegrade properly.
Vinyl Balloons
When it comes to party supplies, vinyl balloons are a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor events. Vinyl balloons are a type of balloon made from a mixture of PVC and vinyl. They are extremely strong and can last for days or even weeks, making them a great option for large gatherings. However, there are some environmental concerns associated with their use.
The main issue is that vinyl balloons are not biodegradable and will not decompose in your compost. This means that they can create a lot of waste, especially if they are not properly disposed of. In addition, they can be a safety hazard if they end up in the street or other public areas.
The Impact of Balloons on the environment
The impact of balloons on the environment depends on the type of balloon and how it is disposed of. For example, Latex balloons are made from natural rubber and will decompose over time, but they can take up to four years to do so.
Harms the wildlife
When people release balloons into the air, they often don’t think about the harmful consequences they can have on wildlife. Balloons can look like jellyfish to a sea turtle and if an animal eats a balloon it can cause internal blockages that can lead to starvation and death. Even the string attached to the balloon can be dangerous to wildlife in several ways. The string can wrap itself around birds or dolphins and other marine life and they can become trapped or their movement severely restricted. The string can also cut into their skin which could lead to infections.
We need to do more to protect wildlife from the dangers of balloons. We should educate people about the risks of releasing balloons and make sure that there are laws in place to prevent people from doing this. We also need to find better ways to dispose of balloons so that they don’t end up in the ocean where they can harm marine life.
Non-biodegradable
When the balloon is released, it slowly falls to the ground and the helium leaks out. This often causes the balloon to deflate and sometimes the pieces of the balloon will be left behind.
Balloons are often considered to be a form of litter because they create unsightly messes and can be dangerous to wildlife. When balloons are released into the environment, they often end up in waterways where they can block storm drains and cause flooding. They can also be ingested by animals, which can lead to suffocation or choking.
The balloon industry is incredibly wasteful and it is estimated that 90% of balloons are not recycled. Most balloons are made from latex, which is a natural rubber that is derived from the sap of trees. Latex undergoes the process of using heat and chemicals to cure the latex so that it can turn into rubber. This all uses an immense amount of energy which mostly comes from burning fossil fuels.
Not only is the energy waste incredibly bad for the environment but often people do not dispose of balloons properly which end up in the stomachs of animals. Deflated balloons can also take up space in landfills and contribute to methane gas emissions. People need to switch to biodegradable balloon alternatives to reduce environmental pollution.
Depletes helium resources
When people fill balloons with helium, they are depleting the earth’s helium reserves. Helium is a nonrenewable resource, meaning that it can’t be replaced once it’s gone. So, when people fill balloons with helium, they are using up a valuable resource that we may not have enough of in the future.
The process of filling balloons with helium is also not very efficient. It takes a lot of helium to fill a balloon, and most of it escapes from the balloon once it’s filled. This means that we are wasting helium every time we fill a balloon.
Eco-friendly Alternatives to Latex balloons
If you’re looking for a more environmentally conscious way to celebrate, consider using these eco-friendly alternatives to balloons.
- Pom-poms
When it comes to decorating for a party, there are a lot of different options to choose from. Balloons are a popular choice, but they can be expensive and they can also be a bit of a pain to clean up afterward. Another option that is growing in popularity is using tissue paper pom poms. These are made out of biodegradable material, so they are environmentally friendly, and they come in a variety of colors and sizes. You can find them in party supply shops, or you can make them yourself. They are a great alternative to balloons, and they add a touch of elegance to any occasion.
- Floating Flowers
When it comes to alternative methods of releasing items into the sky, many people opt for floating flowers instead of balloons. This is because they are a more environmentally-friendly option – they’re plastic-free and don’t release harmful chemicals into the air. Additionally, they often look more aesthetically pleasing than balloons do.
There are a few things to keep in mind when sending flowers or petals floating down a river or sea. Firstly, make sure that you use natural materials – preferably flowers or petals that have recently been plucked from a plant. Secondly, be mindful of the wind – if there is a strong breeze, your flowers may be carried away from where you originally intended them to go. Several different flowers would work well for this purpose.
For example, rose petals are a great option as they’re soft and gentle, and they also have a lovely scent. If you’re looking for something with a bit more of a pop, carnations make great floating flowers too. They’re sturdy enough to stay afloat for a while, and they come in lots of bright colors which would add some extra flair to your release.
Finally, take care when lighting the wish paper – make sure that you do it in an open space where there is no risk of starting a fire.
- Garlands
When it comes to decorating for a special event, there are a lot of different options to choose from. You can go with something traditional, like balloons, or try out a new and eco-friendly alternative, like paper garlands.
One of the main benefits of using paper decorations is that they are very colorful and can brighten up a room. They also come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you can find the perfect one for your occasion. Plus, they’re very easy to make and don’t require any special skills or equipment.
Another great thing about paper garlands is that they’re biodegradable. This means that they won’t harm the environment if they’re not disposed of properly. compared to balloons, which can often end up in landfills.
- Streamers
For a simple decoration that will brighten up any party or celebration, try using streamers. You can hang them from the ceiling, attach them to doorways or windows, or even use them as table decorations. They come in a range of colors and styles, so you can choose the perfect ones for your event.
If you want to get the children involved, you can give them each a stick with a streamer attached. This will allow them to run around and have fun with the decorations. Streamers are also great for adding movement and excitement to any event.
- Reusable water balloons
Water balloon fights are a fun summer activity, but using traditional balloons can be wasteful and create litter. Reusable water balloons are a great alternative – they’re made of cloth so they can be reused multiple times, and they don’t create any waste.
Reusable water balloons are a great option for a water balloon fight because they’re durable and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. They’re also lightweight so they’re easy to carry around, and they come in a range of colors and patterns so you can choose your favorite.
If you want to have a water balloon fight this summer, check out these reusable water balloons. They’re sure to add some fun to your day!
- Fabric/ paperflowers
Balloons are often used as an environmentally friendly alternative to flowers for table decorations and as part of a centerpiece. However, recent studies have shown that balloons create more litter than flowers. This is because balloons are made of biodegradable material, which means that they break down into small pieces over time. These small pieces can be harmful to the environment, as they can choke marine life and get into the food chain.
Paper flowers are a great alternative to balloons. They are made from non-biodegradable material, so they do not create any litter. They are also very affordable and can be bought in a variety of colors and designs. Paper flowers can be used as table decorations or even hung on the wall or ceiling.
- Pinwheels
When choosing a decoration for a party, there are many options to choose from. Balloons are a popular choice, but pinwheels can be just as fun and provide a different type of decoration. Pinwheels can be made out of plastic or paper and can be large or small. They are easy to make and can be found at most party stores.
One benefit of using pinwheels instead of balloons is that they are less likely to pop. This means that they can be used outdoors without fear of them popping and causing a mess. Additionally, pinwheels come in various colors and designs, providing more options for decoration than balloons. They can also be attached to sticks to create garden decorations.
8. Bubbles
Bubbles have been around for centuries and are still enjoyed by both adults and children alike. Though bubble solution has been around for a while, there are ways to make it even more enjoyable.
One way is to use giant bubbles. Giant bubbles are made with a different kind of bubble solution and a larger wand. They can be made any size, but are typically much larger than regular bubbles. Another way to make bubbles more fun is to have a Day bubble solution. This is a bubble solution that is made with more glycerin and can be blown outside on a sunny day. The bubbles will last longer in the sun and will be brighter and more colorful.
Final Thoughts
We need to do more to protect wildlife from the dangers of balloons. We should educate people about the risks of releasing balloons and make sure that there are laws in place to prevent people from doing this. We also need to find better ways to dispose of balloons so that they don’t end up in the ocean where they can harm marine life