This heat wave may have you brainstorming ways to cool down or even ideas for hosting a celebration outdoors.
If so, balloons might be on your shopping list. After all, what screams summer more than a backyard water fight or colourful touches decorating a birthday dinner porch? Sorry to burst your balloon, but what may be a delight to your senses is decidedly not for the planet.
According to CSIRO, an independent Australian-based research agency, balloons are one of the top three most harmful pollutants threatening marine wildlife. This is in part because broken balloon bits mimic the look of common food sources, such as seaweed.
Also, the flexible nature of the plastic allows small animals to ingest pieces that then open up and block their digestive tracts. In this way, they are more of a danger than the ubiquitous small bits of hard plastic in our natural environments.
The useful lifespan of an average balloon is not much longer than a disposable coffee cup, and as such it fits right into the single-use plastic category we are increasingly trying to avoid.
Balloons can be made of natural rubber or latex, but are more often synthetic. Regardless of their material, they are not accepted in Powell River’s recycling programs or the community compost pilot. And, let’s be honest, how many of us pick up all the pieces of a burst balloon anyway?
Fear not, though, life without balloons does not mean being a party pooper. In fact, it often equates to more creative fun and tasteful décor. Here are some earth friendly alternatives:
1. Looking to cool down on a sunny day? Skip the balloon fight and turn on the sprinkler, go to the lake, make some version of a dunk tank, or kick it old school and soak your kids with the garden hose.
2. Hoping for a colourful background glow? Opt for paper lanterns, twinkle lights, paper pom poms and streamers, tiki torches, or hung tapestries. Don’t have any? Borrow from friends or neighbours and get them involved in creating the party space. Be sure to observe fire bans in the dry summer months.
3. Want something longer lasting? Make giant dream catchers using vines, twine, bits of fabric and found feathers. Or create any sized fabric flag for an eye-catching effect.
4. Table decorations? Think local flowers (avoid spreading invasives, however pretty they may be), origami creations, or confetti made from paper or dried leaves.
5. Replacing balloon animals? Paper kites and pinatas filled with low-waste toys are often more enjoyed. You can also go big and create your own giant bubble maker from string, detergent and a bucket for a day at the beach.
Here’s to a healthy, happy summer filled with more laughter than litter.
Let’s Talk Trash is qathet Regional District’s waste-reduction education program.
