Balloon decorations have long been a staple of event décor, adding colour, whimsy, and a touch of playfulness to various celebrations. However, with growing awareness of environmental issues, many people are questioning the sustainability of balloon use. Well just because you love the Earth it doesn’t mean you can’t have gorgeous styling at your event.
The big concern is the environmental impact balloons have as they are latex and don’t break down very well. Balloons are typically made from latex or foil, both of which pose environmental concern. Latex balloons can prove biodegradable but can still take years to decompose in the interim proving a risk to wildlife and ecosystems. Foil balloons are made from metallic coated plastic, which isn’t biodegradable and can persist in the environment indefinitely, contributing to ongoing pollution issues and harming marine life.
The good news is there are plenty of alternatives to ensure your event still looks amazing. You can opt for florals, biodegradable confetti or even now biodegradable balloons. These balloons can be made from latex or recycled paper, which break down more quickly posing less harm. Alternatively, fabrics, paper lanterns, banners and other reusable décor can be a great addition, or living décor like live plants and florals actually contribute to air purification and ecosystem health.
This isn’t to say you can’t use balloons at all. If this is your go to but you still want to do the right thing just ensure proper disposal. Puncture them and ensure they are deflated before throwing them away. Ensure they are in the waste and avoid releasing them into the environment to minimise wildlife consuming and choking on the remnants. And if you have thought of releasing consider something like bubble blowing that causes less harm overall.
While balloons have long been a popular choice for event décor, it’s essential to consider their environmental impact and explore eco-friendly alternatives. By opting for biodegradable balloons, reusable décor, or living elements, you can create beautiful decorations while minimising harm to the planet. Together, we can celebrate special occasions responsibly and preserve the beauty of our natural world for future generations.