Balloons have been a popular item in parties, events, and celebrations for decades. I've been using them for years and they are the international sign for 'the party is here!'
However, some individuals and organizations have raised concerns about the environmental impact of balloons and their potential harm to wildlife. In this blog post, we will explore whether balloons are actually bad for the environment and how to use them responsibly.
Firstly, it is important to note that not all balloons are created equal. Balloons made from natural materials, such as latex, are biodegradable and will decompose over time. (These are the type Lily uses). In fact, the balloons Lily uses decompose at the same rate as an oak tree leaf! In contrast, balloons made from non-biodegradable materials, such as mylar, can take years to decompose and can pose a threat to wildlife if they end up in the environment. It is crucial to make sure you know where your balloons are coming from and what they are made of. Only use balloons made from natural materials and ensure they are disposed of properly after use.
Furthermore, research has shown that the impact of balloons on the environment is minimal. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration conducted a study on the impact of balloons on the environment and concluded that while balloons can pose a threat to wildlife if ingested, the risk is low.
It is worth noting that the environmental impact of balloons can be mitigated through responsible use and disposal. When using balloons, it is important to keep them indoors or in a secured area to prevent them from accidentally escaping into the environment. After use, balloons should be properly disposed of in the trash, and not released into the air. In addition, balloon releases should be avoided as they can contribute to litter and harm wildlife.
Furthermore, it is worth noting that the balloon industry has taken steps to promote responsible use and disposal of balloons. The Balloon Council, a trade association representing the balloon industry, has developed a program called "Responsible Balloon Practices" that encourages individuals and businesses to use balloons responsibly and dispose of them properly. The program also discourages balloon releases and promotes the use of natural materials in balloon production.
In conclusion, the impact of balloons made from natural materials on the environment is minimal. However, it is important to use them responsibly and dispose of them properly to avoid any negative impact on the environment or wildlife. Used safely and responsibly then balloons have a minimum effect on the environment - the latex ones can even be composted! However the foil balloons - not so good, so limit your use and dispose of responsibly.
References:
Balloon Council. (2017). Balloon facts and figures. Retrieved from https://www.balloonhq.com/doc/balloons_and_the_environment.pdf
Environmental Protection Agency. (2001). Municipal solid waste in the United States: 2001 facts and figures. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/facts-and-figures-about-materials-waste-and-recycling/municipal-solid-waste-united-states-facts-and
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (2018). Balloons and the environment. Retrieved from https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/balloon-trash.html
https://balloons.online/blog/post/understand-the-difference-latex-and-other-varieties-of-balloons
https://livegreen.recyclebank.com/Proper-Green-A-Balloons-Second-Life
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