Balloons and the Environment

www.shoppartyhaus.com aims to protect the environment as much as possible. Some common questions regarding how balloons affect the environment are listed below.

Q. How eco-friendly are your balloons?

A. We sell latex balloons, foil balloons and stretchy plastic balloons (bubbles) however, only LATEX balloons are biodegradable. Latex is harvested from the sap of rubber trees and is 100% natural. Extraction of latex discourages de-forestation as latex-producing trees are left intact allowing them to continue producing latex for up to 40 years.

Q. How do latex balloons biodegrade?

A. The first stage in the breakdown of a latex balloon is when it begins to oxidise. The balloon will lose its shine and start to go cloudy. The speed at which this happens depends on conditions but speeds up when exposed to direct sunlight or heat. When latex balloons are exposed to natural elements, they decompose at about the same rate as an oak leaf which is understood to be about 6 months.

Q. Why aren’t foil balloons and stretchy plastic balloons biodegradable?

A. Foil balloons are made of man-made materials such as nylon with an aluminium coating. Stretchy plastic balloons are made of… you guessed it... plastic! Neither of these materials decomposes easily or quickly.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Unfortunately many balloon accessories and party products are not biodegradable, such as balloon valves, balloon sticks, metallic ribbon, etc..We would urge you to dispose of your waste responsibly and recycle where possible. For example, empty disposable helium cylinders can be taken to the steel recycling section of your local household refuse centre.

By adopting the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle motto, we have found there are ways to put old foil balloons to good use.

Say NO to Balloon Releases 

In 1989, a study was undertaken to determine the effect of balloon releases on the environment. 

As a company, www.shoppartyhaus.com is against balloon releases and therefore do not sell balloon release equipment. To find out why a balloon company says NO to balloon releases and why you should consider an alternative to a balloon release.