The article will discuss how balloons are one of the most popular and festive decorations for any celebration, but they come with a big environmental cost.
In fact, according to the EPA, helium balloons are a very common type of litter that can have a serious impact on wildlife and the environment.
What could be a more eco-friendly alternative to balloons? Read on to find out!
Balloons – and the eco friendly alternatives
1. Why balloons are bad for the environment
Helium balloons may seem like a harmless way to celebrate a birthday or special occasion, but they come with a big environmental cost.
According to the EPA, helium balloons are the second-most common type of litter after cigarette butts.
Balloons are made of latex, which is a natural resource. But when latex balloons are released into the environment, they often end up in waterways and can cause serious harm to marine life.
They can also take years to decompose.
2. What could be a more eco-friendly alternative to balloons
There are a few alternatives to traditional helium balloons that are more eco-friendly. One option is biodegradable latex balloons. These balloons are made of natural materials and will decompose over a much shorter time.
Another option is to use no balloon at all, and instead opt for a fun sign or decorated pinwheel. If you choose to use balloon decorations, it’s best to attach them to something that will prevent them from floating away.
3. How to make your own eco-friendly balloon decorations
Balloons are one of the most popular and festive decorations for any celebration, but they come with a big environmental cost. In fact, according to the EPA, helium balloons are the second-most common type of litter after cigarette butts.
But what could be a more eco-friendly alternative to balloons? One option is to make your own eco-friendly balloon decorations! Here are a few easy steps to get you started:
- Gather some materials. You’ll need some paper or cloth, scissors, a needle and thread, and some airtight containers such as water bottles or jars.
- Cut out your shapes. You can use any type of paper or cloth for your decorations, but remember that recycled materials are both eco-friendly and lower your costs. For example, you could use some old T-shirts or fabric scraps to make beautiful balloon decorations.
- Get creative! There are many ways to decorate your eco-friendly balloons, but here are a few ideas:
- Use your decorations to accent your party area or walkway. You could make some napkin rings, decorate a banner, and more!
- Fill them with confetti or flower petals to create a balloon bouquet. Flower petals are easy to come by, and they smell nice too!
- Make some balloon centerpieces by filling your balloons with sand or stones. This is a great way to make your decorations
3. The benefits of using eco-friendly decorations
Choosing environmentally-friendly decorations helps the environment in several ways. One way is by reducing litter, which decreases pollution. Reducing pollution also means cleaner waterways and oceans, which can help protect marine life. It also means fewer greenhouse gases, which is the biggest way humans are impacting climate change.
Balloons made out of biodegradable material make for great environmentally-friendly decorations. But even if you don’t want to go this route, using recycled materials helps the environment, and it can even save you money! So what are you waiting for?
Switch your decoration game to be more eco-friendly today!
Streamers
Crepe Paper streamers may also be retro but completely biodegradable. Like honeycomb balls, these balls are very delicate so you can use them once you’ve done them well during your parties. They may also serve as wrapping materials in eco-friendly gifts and even wrapping boxes unless the packaging has been reused.
Streamers are typically made of paper, but why not make them out of ribbon? The materials are easily reused year after year or used to wrap the gift after the holidays.
3D paper stars
This 3D-printed star is foldable to make storage easy for the next gathering. It’s made from cardstock which is quite sturdy.
These can be purchased in various colors and designs and have the potential to give your party decor an extra depth than paper fans.
Make stars out of loo rolls inside tubes. Cut off a ring into 6 ring pieces and adhere the rings together. They are painted in the order you wish them to. The stars below are constructed with five rolls of loops. Hang it in place on strings.
Bunting
Bunting is by far the best available reusable decor for any party kit. There are numerous varieties of bunting, which are sometimes themed.
The bunting can be used year after year to make them extremely durable. Make buntings from old fabric for yourself. Or, to create themed decorations, use the original printed bedding sheet.
Besides sewing, you’re going to find other alternatives that don’t need sewing. Bunting is created using old shirts, felt, or ribbon.
Paper fans
Do you think they are beautiful? Paper fans come in various sizes and colors and can be made from any paper, color paper, tissue paper, or dyes by using some foods. Unlike tissues, a paper fan folds to make storage easier for future parties.
If you open the package with paper clips instead of sticky tape, it should fold back easily. You should be careful not to tear your fan around the folds; our experience has shown that these can be difficult to keep at hand during rainy days but they’re our favorite of the paper ornaments.
Garlands
Like bunting, there are several different materials to use to make garlands and ornaments. Simple garland made with a pom-pom or paper beads. These are fun and relatively simple to build and can match theme colors easily.
Ask friends for donations, maybe leftover from a knitting project, or ripping out a worn sweater for a new project. A garland with felt forms or felt bobbles is another excellent option for reusing.
Are there environmentally friendly balloons?
Balloon types typically contain latex materials Some latex balloons are considered eco-friendly because of their biodegradability.
The Environmental Natural Center says latex balloons can biodegrade within about 6 to 4 years.
Any more tips for hosting an eco-friendly celebration?
When it comes to hosting an eco-friendly celebration, there are many ways to go green! Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Choose reusable decorations. Things like streamers, banners, and confetti can be used over and over again. You can also make your own decorations using recycled materials.
- Use LED or solar-powered lights. Not only are they environmentally friendly, but they also look beautiful!
- Serve organic food and drinks. Not only is organic food better for you, but it’s also better for the environment.
- Get creative with your recycling! Use recyclable materials to make your own decorations, serve food on reusable plates and cups, and more!
- Host a potluck instead of having everyone bring their own food.
- Send out invitations using recycled or environmentally-friendly paper like bamboo or recycled paper.
- Pay attention to the weather! If it looks like it will be a sunny day, ask your guests to BYO-Sunscreen. Not only does this help keep your guests safe, but it also reduces waste!
- Use recyclable or biodegradable tableware or cutlery.
- Plant a tree as a celebration gift! This is a fantastic way to give back, and it will last long after your celebration is over.
- Use eco-friendly decorations, especially balloons made from biodegradable material
Conclusion
Choosing environmentally-friendly decorations helps the environment in several ways.
One way is by reducing litter, which decreases pollution. Reducing pollution also means cleaner waterways and oceans, which can help protect marine life. It also means fewer greenhouse gases, which is the biggest way humans are impacting climate change.
Eco-friendly alternatives to balloons include using old T-shirts or fabric scraps to make beautiful balloon decorations!