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Celebrations typically bring out the best in people. From birthday parties for children, to 50 year wedding anniversaries and every cause in-between, people love a good reason to party. And when there’s a party there are usually balloons.
It’s easy to overlook that latex balloons will last long after the last party guest goes home. According to research cited by various reports, one latex balloon needs anywhere from six months to four years to completely break down in our environment.
And as that colorful balloon slowly deteriorates it can cause a lot of damage to wildlife that might see it as a snack.
What are the types of balloons to look out for?
The two most widely purchased balloon types are mylar balloons and latex balloons.
Mylar balloons are the ones that cause the greatest damage to the environment. While mylar has many benefits, including being lighter and more versatile than latex, the metallic finish coating over the balloon’s surface increases their lifespan in the wild.
Furthermore, mylar balloons have been the cause of multiple electrical fires. A mylar balloon released into the sky can float back down to earth, landing on overhead power lines. The metal-coated surface of the balloon will carry the electric current off of the line, sparks discharge and an uncontrolled fire can break out quickly.
Latex balloons are considered biodegradable, we mentioned earlier that it can take somewhere between six and forty-eight months for the balloon to fully breakdown.
One study showed that a latex balloon floating or submerged in seawater will retain its elasticity even longer. Sealife will spot the balloon and likely swallow it, thinking that it is food.
Has anyone tried to invent other material that is similar to a balloon?
No. While there are alternatives to using balloons, there is no current alternative to a latex or mylar balloon. If you have to choose between the two kinds, latex balloons are a better option but still not the best for a green disposal.
Are there alternatives to using balloons?
Surprisingly there are lot of more environmentally friendly alternatives to using balloons. These party celebrations will cheer up a location just as well as a balloon, and you will feel better knowing that they won’t be rotting in a landfill years after their one-time use.
What are some ideas for balloon alternatives?
Tissue paper pompoms
Why not consider having your revelers make some displays? Tissue paper comes in a wide variety of colors and is easy to clean up and dispose of. Paper is recyclable so you can simply place all that tissue paper into a recycling bin after the party is over.
Click on the images below for our top picks
Windmill spinners & pinwheels
For many generations pinwheels have been used at attractions, carnivals and festivities. Parties can also use pinwheels for their guests to wave in the air, to place upright on fences, even o the back of handlebars on a bicycle. While some pinwheels are made from plastics there are also paper pinwheels for a better earth friendly choice.
Click on the images below for our top picks.
Below are our top picks for eco-friendly spinners!
Flags
The best party or event eye-catcher if you want to be seen near or faraway. Flags come in a variety of shapes, colors and sizes, ranging from a collection of small triangles that you can tack up on a fence, to large full-sized flags you attach to a flag pole.
Streamers & ribbon dancers
Whichever way you refer to these undulating trails of colored paper, this alternative also offers a more interactive experience than a stationary balloon. If you are celebrating outdoors, using the wind to make the ribbon dancer twist and move through the air is a great way to engage partygoers. Kids will also be more open to using a streamer. Give them a wide open space and let them run off their energy!
Click the images below for our top picks.
Painted rocks
This one is more of a craft but if you like to paint as a hobby, it could be a new joy for you. Plus, you can decide what gets painted on the rock: faces, animals, stars and planets, make them look like eggs hatching, or whatever else your imagination conjures up.
Click our images below for our top picks.
Have your own rocks? Click the images below for supplies to paint them.
Colored lights
LEDs have cut down the cost and extended the lifespan of lighting. You can also program some LED lights so that they cycle through color patterns that are related to the event, such as a Halloween or Christmas-themed party.
Click the images below for our top picks.
Bubbles
Why not pick up a set of bubble makers and let your party people make their own floating expressions of happiness? If you want to maximize your minimal impact on the environment you can fashion a bubble wand from spare clothes hangers or pipe cleaners. Eco-friendly detergent can be used to make the bubble liquid.
Click on the images below for our top picks
Banners
Want to say more without uttering a word? Use a banner to display a greeting. Latecomers to the event will know who’s party it is and what’s the cause for celebration. Plus, you can use banners again and again if you choose ones that can be used for multiple occasions (like “Happy Birthday”).
Click on the images below for our top picks.
Paper Lanterns
Another great eco-friendly decoration are paper lanterns. They are quirky, stylish and reusable.
Check out the images below for our top picks.
Need more eco-friendly advice? Check out our essential guide to choosing a plastic-free razor!
