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It's a big industry, the balloon industry, and unfortunately, it is also a polluting and harmful industry if balloons are let go to drift into the sky. Many people celebrate with balloons, and businesses advertise with them. Most people wouldn't dream of throwing plastic bags into the air and leaving them, so why are balloons any different?
According to one study, balloons are the most dangerous plastic trash for seabirds, killing 32 times more than eating hard plastics. Researchers looked at the causes of death of 1733 seabirds from 51 different species and discovered that one out of every three of them had eaten marine trash.
According to the findings, a seabird ingesting a single piece of plastic had a 20% risk of dying, rising to 50% for nine items and 100% for 93 items.
Biodegradable
Natural latex may be biodegradable, but how natural can it be after adding chemicals, plasticisers, and artificial dyes? It may dissolve over time, but it is not "biodegradable." Because latex balloons are marketed as "biodegradable," many people believe it is acceptable to release them. Regrettably, this results in the loss of life. The most prevalent form of latex balloon found in the stomachs of dead animals is latex balloons.
Balloons can go long distances
A work visit by Wageningen Marine Research researchers to French colleagues in early May 2007 turned out rather humiliating! Northeasterly solid winds carried many Dutch party balloons down to Normandy after the Dutch Queen's Day celebrations, at least 800 kilometres from their release site. More than ten balloons per kilometre of seashore were discovered at Le Havre. The majority of them were from businesses advertising their services. However, charity organisations were also involved, delivering the wrong message in this case.
Balloons pose a risk to wildlife
Balloon debris is a threat because animals may become caught in ribbons, preventing them from foraging. Animals may confuse balloon debris for food and eat it, causing blockages in the stomach and intestines and hunger.
Legality releasing balloons
In some states in Australia, it is illegal to release helium balloons at funerals, weddings or other significant events, or there are limits to how many. Remember this, though, even if it is legal to release balloons where you live, it will most likely be illegal to litter, and those balloons will come down somewhere as litter.
Alternatives
Rather than use balloons, here are some suggestions as an alternative.
Blow bubbles
Use kites instead of balloons
Confetti - Make some natural confetti from flower petals or leaves to throw. It will look great, won't damage animals or the environment
Origami - You could make balloons, animals, or any other design that you think will be appropriate for the event. It's a conscious activity that involves everyone, and you'll have something to look back on at the end of the day.
Floating flowers or candles
Plant a tree or throw a seed bomb - If you want to help the environment, seed bombs are excellent. They're entertaining to throw, and you'll enjoy watching the area come alive with colour as the seeds sprout and the plants grow
Make a memorial garden for a deceased person or a memory garden for a happier event such as a wedding
