I spent far longer looking for the photo to accompany this blog than for any other over recent months. Searching the image bank for ‘party balloons’ or just ‘balloons’ returned thousands of results of smiley, happy people clutching their Plastic/Natural latex/Mylar creations – taking seconds to inflate, bringing joy for a few hours, and then discarded.

Balloons have been synonymous with parties and celebrations for years, yet despite the increasing awareness of plastic pollution, and injury or death to wildlife across the world, we still find them hard to let go of (metaphorically speaking). I want to delve into the frankly scary truth about balloons. It makes for uncomfortable reading, but unless we face the facts and change how we celebrate, things will only get worse.

Natural latex
You may have noticed the move to natural latex balloons, usually promoted with a big 'biodegradable' or 'eco-friendly' label. Natural latex from the Hevea tree does indeed happily degrade without harming the environment, however when it comes to manufacturing balloons from it, there’s a problem. Plasticisers need to be added to increase the elasticity of the latex, and of course it wouldn’t be balloons without pretty colours and patterns, so during the manufacturing process chemicals, flame retardants, and pigments are also added, resulting in a less than natural product. Natural latex on its own will biodegrade in time. The same cannot be said when chemicals are added to it. Oh, and please don’t get me started on the argument about balloons degrading at the same pace as an oak leaf - leaves are a natural nesting material for wildlife, balloons are definitely not.

Shiny Shiny
The other type of balloon featured heavily in my image search results were Mylar or foil  balloons. These shiny metallic inflatables are often designed for special birthdays such as age milestones or moulded to favourite characters, however these are coated in plastic, usually  polyethylene, and made from nylon with a metallic coating such as aluminium. All the evidence is that these balloons will never biodegrade, at best ending up in landfill after just a few hour’s use.

A long-term threat to eco-systems
Recent research shows that the additives in natural latex balloons noted above hinders decomposition, and turns what should be a natural breakdown process into a lengthy, environmentally harmful ordeal. When released into the environment, balloons can wreak havoc on wildlife. Marine animals mistake them for food, leading to ingestion and ultimately death as their stomachs become blocked. Birds can get tangled in balloon strings, resulting in injury or death. Ultimately, the balloons pose a long-term threat to ecosystems around the world.

Decisions, decisions
Trying to determine how a balloon has been made, and the exact composition of pigments and/or chemicals added at the manufacturing process isn’t easy. Add in the fact that remnants of burst balloons (if not the whole thing) will be hanging around for a very long time, posing a danger to wildlife, the decision not to sell any kind of traditional balloons - latex, mylar, foil, helium etc. on the marketplace was the easiest I’ve ever had to make.

So what are the alternatives?
If we’re going to let go of the idea that celebrations should always include balloons, what alternatives are there? The good news is there’s plenty! Why not try:

  • Locally sourced flowers and foliage to create displays such as arches, garlands, and centrepieces - stunning for weddings and special occasions.
  • Reusable decorations made from recycled paper or organic cotton cloth garlands reduce waste and save money.
  • Biodegradable confetti made from recycled paper or dried flowers brings colour to tables and fun to any celebration.
  • Pinwheels and windsocks are fun and colourful alternatives to balloons. Made from paper, fabric, or recycled materials, they add a playful touch to any party.
  • If you still can’t quite let go of the idea of balloons, why not try these Japanese paper balloons  crafted from fully compostable washi paper in fun animal shapes such as ladybirds, fish, and penguins. Unlike traditional balloons they won’t pop, and can be re-used multiple times. Popular with children and adults – see them in action in our short film.
Finally, add a touch of lighting using LED lights to create ambiance and atmosphere without the need for balloons. Think glass jars, luminaries, lanterns, and fairy lights to add a warm glow to your party space. 

 

 

 

 

 

 



By deciding to let go of balloons and embracing genuinely earth-friendly alternatives, it is possible to reduce our environmental footprint and impact on wildlife without sacrificing the joy and beauty of celebrations. Every choice we make, no matter how small, will make a positive difference. Together, we can move towards a brighter, more sustainable future where celebrations have never been so good.