Student Tribune
Green Tip - Let Go of Using Balloons
For years people have seen balloons as fun, harmless decorations, but they
have long-lasting and harmful effects on our environment. Balloons
released into the air can travel for miles and land as litter on beaches,
yards, in rivers, lakes, forests and oceans and take a long time (or never)
biodegrade, posing risks to birds and other wildlife and creating
pollution.
Balloons are commonly either Mylar (plastic nylon sheets with a metallic
covering that will never biodegrade) or latex (liquid rubber mixed with
plasticizers and other chemical additives that hinder biodegradation, or
synthetic from a petroleum derivative called neoprene). Both types of balloons
create hazards in the environment. As latex balloons burst in the atmosphere,
they shred into small pieces that can be ingested by turtles, birds, and fish.
According to an article in Scientific Reports, latex
balloons are deadliest form of marine debris for seabirds. Mylar balloons can
float into power lines, causing a spark leading to fires and power
outages.
In 2019, the Detroit Free Press
published that 18,000 pieces of balloon waste were found in the Great Lakes
based on surveys from annual “Adopt-A-Beach” shoreline cleanups
sponsored by Alliance for the Great Lakes.
Environmentally-friendly alternatives to balloons:
- Flags, banners, streamers, dancing inflatables – weather
resistant and reusable
- Ribbon dancers – Long ribbons attached on a short wand with
the plus that they require people to move around!
- Kites/garden spinners – Fabric spinners/kites can last for
years.
- Bunting – Made from fabric, these are reusable and easily
stored.
- Pinwheels – Eye-catching and easy to make
- Tissue Paper Pompoms – colorful and reusable.
Penwarden, Ann
Sustainability Steering Committee
01/16/2024