Biodegradable Balloons: Eco-Friendly Alternatives are Better

Biodegradable balloons are not biodegradable, they are not an eco-friendly alternative, they are not recyclable and they are definitely not sustainable.

While it might be nice to use colourful balloons at a party or event, this comes with a negative environmental impact, even if you dispose of your balloons thoughtfully.

Please use one of the sustainable alternatives that I suggest below and discourage the use of balloons by communicating the risks with your friends, family and colleagues.

Biodegradable Balloons

So why are balloons sold as biodegradable when they aren’t? Most balloons are made from rubber. This is a natural, renewable plant-based resource that is in fact biodegradable.

But when rubber is manufactured to produce the latex for balloons, it creates a product that doesn’t readily break down in the environment. At least not in any reasonable timeframe.

Labelling latex balloons as biodegradable is an example of greenwashing. In theory, it could be true but in reality, in the real world, it’s an inaccurate or misleading claim.

Facts About Balloons

• So-called biodegradable balloons do not degrade in the environment.
• Latex balloons are effectively like plastic that pollutes our waterways, oceans and landscapes.
• Dolphins, whales, turtles, fish and seabirds mistake balloons for food and eat them.
• More than 1,400 species are known to ingest and die from plastic and latex balloon pollution.
• Significant numbers of marine animals die from gastrointestinal blockages, perforations and malnutrition that is caused by eating litter and debris.
• Balloons are the deadliest item of debris in marine environments as they are 32 times more likely to cause death than plastic.
• Helium is a gas used in balloons to allow them to float in the air.
• Helium is a non-renewable resource that is a by-product of the fossil fuel industry.
• There is currently a critical global shortage of helium that is needed for manufacturing and scientific research.
• As an important resource in limited supply, helium should no longer be used in consumer balloons.
• Mylar or foil balloons are rubber balloons that are coated with a metallic film and these kinds of balloons are not biodegradable or sustainably produced.
• Marketing that mentions biodegradable or sustainable balloons is greenwashing.

Eco-Friendly Balloon Alternatives

The evidence is clear, balloons are detrimental to the environment.

If you do use balloons, the most important thing you can do is not release them into the air. Please deflate them after use and dispose of them in the bin.

But the better option is to use eco-friendly alternatives.

When considering alternatives, the best thing you can do is think about what you have available locally, are the materials sustainably sourced, are they plastic-free and can they be reused or recycled after your event.

Here is a list of simple alternatives to give you some ideas:

• Paper balloons – print images of colourful balloons on paper and display them around the room.
• Sustainable candles – these can create a warm and festive atmosphere for an event.
• Flags and banners – created using recyclable paper or organic fabric, these can be reused on many occasions.
• Trees – these can add height and warmth when used as decorations. They can be reused at other events or given to guests to plant at home.
• Flowering plants – for additional colour, you could use flowering plants as decorations. You could encourage guests to take home the plants and even include wildflower seed mix* to encourage growing flowers for improved biodiversity.
• Reuse – use what you have leftover from previous parties and events rather than buying new.

How to Promote Change?

As individuals, we can promote change through ethical consumption. By refusing to purchase unstainable products, we are reducing demand that over time, can impact production.

But given the climate emergency, we need transformative change, not incremental change. For this to occur we need to look at the bigger picture and become activists where possible.

When you or someone you know is planning a party or event, suggest eco-friendly decoration alternatives to plastic and latex. You might be able to do this at your child’s school or at your place of work.

To go even further, contact your local government representative or senator in your area and suggest a ban on polluting balloons and consumer use of helium.

There are already several states in the US where releasing balloons is banned including California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Maine, Maryland, Tennessee and Virginia.

The argument is that it’s deliberate littering.

If this isn’t one of your states, please get in touch with your local representative to show your support for a ban.

Some states are going further, looking at laws that will ban the sale of balloons entirely.

Given that balloons are a significant cause of pollution that poses a threat to hundreds of species, I would support a full ban.

Let me know in the comments if you would support this action.

This articles is part of our series on sustainable products and ethical consumerism. We suggest carefully considering what you really need before purchasing and considering more sustainable alternatives where possible.