Wedding Balloons are just a bad idea for the enviroment
26 Mar
Ok, So I’m a party pooper. I’m a green freak and was so excited to see green weddings becoming a new trend. Recently, another trend in the exact opposite direction has sprouted up. Balloons. Oh yes, wouldn’t releasing balloons be so much fun? So pretty?
Sure, if you don’t mind a dozen or so marine animals and birds choking on your fun and dieing. I have written about this before. But the trend seems to just get bigger! I just can’t understand it. In our effort to green weddings and still make them pretty, there are plenty of options. Yes, balloons are cheap- but the animals pay the ultimate price.
Help spread the word! If you see a blog post with pretty balloon pictures, link to this post to remind bride and grooms that balloons are not safe for our environment or the animals in it. The balloon industry has repeatedly stated that their products are safe but not a single scientific study agrees with that- nor do any of the marine or wildlife organizations.
Here are some blog posts that get my green panties in a bunch: here, here and here.
Learn more about balloons are their harmful effect on our world: here, here, here, here, here, and here.
First, most balloon decor is done in the hall, no balloons leave the building, mostly because guest break them before they leave. Secondly, Professional balloon decorators destroy any balloon at breakdown – they just don’t let them fly into the air. Thirdly, Lets look at the real cause – restaurants, banks, and any company that hands out free helium balloons. These people are too cheep to provide weights to keep the balloon from escaping from small hands. Lastly, If you read the balloon industry guidelines http://www.savetheballoons.com/current-law.html which profession follow, but DYI’s do not follow these rules (they want to save money). So it not the balloon industry you need to attach, it the goal of educating people about the laws.
Write an article that is positive and teach people the right way to do it, not just post a picture of animals in distress.
I don;t know anyone in the balloon business who advocates releasing helium filled balloons–At most air filled balloon drops indoors–
There is an educational movement to teach consumers–for lots of reasons–just not big enough yet.
Balloons are very effective low cost decorating–fast, easy, fun, reasonably priced for the impact.
Like anything else ( guns, hammers–whatever), you can use them effectively for good–or misuse them–
Wow Kelly, thanks for the great idea for my wedding. I never knew balloons could look so beautiful next to a wedding cake. Thank you for posting the picture! I called a certified balloon artist in my area and was rest assured that no animals would be harmed in our banquet room.