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Most things that are manufactured have an intended use, even if disposable. Balloons, however, are created with the intention of being thrown out, released into the sky, or worse. It would seem most are not kept for more than a few hours, or they linger around until the helium inside decays and then they’re thrown out.
It’s almost a mockery of what’s emblazoned on most of them—“Congrats,” “Happy Birthday,” “Welcome Home”—that they end up killing our ecosystems.
Balloons not only possess a hazard to animals when eaten, but the ribbons and strings attached can cause dolphins, fish, whales, and turtles to become tangled and ultimately die. Many marine animals mistake balloons, both Mylar® and latex, for jellyfish—a popular snack.
In fact, when latex balloons fly high enough, they pop in such a way that leaves them looking like they have several tentacles and float through the water almost exactly like a jellyfish does. The resemblance is almost uncanny.
Bighorn sheep in parts of southern California are impacted by balloons too, among other mammals. They have four-chambered stomachs and do not chew their food completely as they eat; meaning pieces often get trapped in their systems during the digestion process. A study found sheep deceased with balloon strings hanging from their mouths and within their digestive tracts.
From: http://balloonsblow.org
These party favors also have a significant impact on the environment. Balloon release parties are often an honorary event in which people release a cluster of balloons to honor someone who has died or even in celebration of happier events, like a wedding or graduation. Once released, they travel thousands of feet into the sky.
The real damage is done when they make it back to the ground, though. Latex balloons do break down over time, but Mylar balloons pose a more serious risk. They’ve been marked as non-biodegradable and are made from metalized polyester, which is harmful both in production and in disposal. The National Association of Balloon Artists and Suppliers has spoken about the impact of Mylar balloons specifically. In a series of recommendations, the organization warns against using Mylars at all, while offering some safety tips to make latex balloons as minimally harmful as possible.
While they may be colorful and fun, the impact of these floating favors is serious. They are a danger to our animals and our ecosystems. Perhaps the next time you plan a party, consider a more sustainable way to showcase the celebration.
More Sources:
http://www.longisland.com/articles/06-20-13/the-truth-about-balloons-after-they-fly-away.html?print=1
http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/balloon-releases827.html#cr
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Re: Balloons—Celebratory, But Wreak Havoc On The Environment
