The short answer is no, balloons are not bad for the environment, as long as you are using biodegradable balloons from a sustainable balloon company. Make sure the balloons are disposed of properly afterwards and the whole process is a very sustainable one.
Are balloons harmful when they are made?
No, balloons are not harmful when they are made. In fact, they are a very sustainable option for celebrations and events. They are made from latex and the process is by tapping the sap out of a rubber tree. The rubber trees are not affected at all by the tapping and can be tapped successfully for up to thirty years.
How to dispose of balloons after the party or event
After your party is finished, you can chop up the latex balloons into tiny pieces and pop them straight into your compost heap. Latex balloons are made from natural rubber, from a rubber tree and will compose like an oak leaf.
At Castle Balloons, they collect all the used latex balloons from their displays, and they are then put through their Castle Balloons recycling program; and end up in the bouncy floors in children's playgrounds.
Balloon Releases and problems associated with them
It used to be a common sight at wakes and memorials, with colourful balloons floating up into the sky, carried away by the wind. But what many people don't realise is that those seemingly innocuous party decorations can actually have a serious impact on the environment. so please think twice before releasing a balloon into the wild, as this is a really bad idea for looking after our precious environment.
If the balloons are released, they can end up in the ocean, and Marine animals often mistake bits of floating balloon for food and end up ingesting it. This can cause them to feel full even when they're starving, leading to malnutrition and death.
Even if balloons don't end up in the ocean, there's a good chance they'll end up as litter on land if they are released. Once balloons are out in the environment, there's not much that can be done about them. After all, you can't exactly pick up a balloon that's floating away in the breeze!
They Can Be Harmful to Wildlife - Balloons aren't just bad for marine life; they can also be harmful to land-based animals if they are released. Birds and other small animals often mistake deflated balloons for eggs and try to build nests with them. This can prevent them from being able to properly care for their young, leading to lower survival rates. In addition, when animals ingest bits of balloon latex, it can block their digestive tracts and cause them to starve to death.
The next time you're planning a party or event, think twice before releasing a bunch of balloons into the sky. Those seemingly innocent decorations can actually have a serious impact on the environment - and not in a good way! From harming marine life to causing problems for birds and other animals on land, balloons are more trouble than they're worth.
So make sure the balloons are weighted down if they are filled with helium, and then make sure to dispose of them properly afterwards so they don't end up as litter. Always opt for the eco-friendly displays and help keep our planet clean and green!