Balloons as Pollution

CONSERVATION ALERT

July 2021, Volume 25 Number 4

Celebrate, but in the right way

 

by Donnie R. Dann

It is a very happy day; a wedding, confirmation or bar mitzvah, anniversary or special birthday. Frequently the event is accompanied by a big balloon release. Ooooh the audience exclaims, with big smiles in celebration of this happy occasion.  

But the “happy occasion” is badly marred as the released balloons are disastrous for the environment and could easily mean death to wildlife and can even affect human health.  Is a balloon release really a good idea if the end result is maiming or killing of wild animals and has the potential for making us sick?

Balloons are usually made from mylar, a petroleum based material, or latex, produced from a rubber tree.

How are balloons harmful?

• All released balloons eventually return to Earth as litter, polluting our environment. 
  
• They are ingested by fish, birds and other creatures.
  
• They can result in power outages.
• Balloons use helium, wasting a limited resource. 
• Balloons can travel great distances and even places that may be remote and pristine are not immune from their stain.

Those making certain balloons and those who let them fly claim “They are biodegradable,” as if that defense makes them okay. Unfortunately, they don’t just magically degrade and disappear. 

All celebratory balloons, be they latex, biodegradable, mylar or otherwise, have the potential to pose a significant threat to wildlife. Biodegradable is a misnomer as even “biodegradable” balloons can still take many years to decompose, by which time they could have caused serious harm, or death, to any number of animals. 

When mylar balloons break down they do so into tiny pieces (microplastics, discussed in my March 2021 Alert). These bits of plastic can be consumed by fish and enter the food chain, ultimately including people.

Some good news is that 5 states and several cities have banned mass balloon releases.

To avoid a balloon release consider dancing inflatables, streamers, flags, or to commemorate and help the planet plant a tree, unveil a butterfly garden or plans for one.  For other great substitutes click here.

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