Do you know where balloons go?
We get it. People love balloons. Bright colors and big displays at a cheap cost, no wonder they’re more popular than ever! But when the fun is done, no one knows for certain where they end up or the unintended consequences they have in our world. Some balloons are tossed in garbage cans and fly away. Others are caught in trees or tangled in power lines causing electric outages or fires. Many end up polluting our waters and harming wildlife. Latex and foil balloons, along with their trailing plastic ribbons, none of which are biodegradable, are the third deadliest litter in the ocean.
Collect and Re-purpose before they become litter.
We’re taking a stand to do better. Through our inspiring outreach programs, we’re raising awareness about the surprising negative impact of balloons and empowering people to take action and make a difference.
Foil balloons are made from a thin plastic sheet, then sprayed with aluminum to give them a shiny reflective surface. Out in the environment, foil balloons will degrade, lose their coating and turn clear, like a plastic bag. While latex balloons are made from rubber, they have an added plastic to make them stay inflated longer and are not biodegradable. This sea turtle is caught trying to swim with plastic wrapped around his flipper. Plastic ribbons and balloon debris float at the top of the water column where they are ingested by animals or entangled in them. This can cause death by suffocation, starvation, or drowning.
How can people celebrate with balloons AND protect the environment?
The answer is a never-before option to pop-and-drop balloons in a designated recycling bin. For every balloon purchased, our mission is to dispose of and re-purpose it responsibly. Become part of the solution and join the Balloon Mission.
Help Protect Our Planet with TerraCycle
Balloon Mission is proud to partner with TerraCycle for our balloon recycling program! As an official TerraCycle affiliate, we’re offering a responsible way for people to enjoy their balloons and ensure we never let them fly away. Protect animals and the environment with a Party Decoration Zero Waste Box. For every box sold, 10% of the proceeds will support our education and outreach initiatives. Have fun and celebrate responsibly for a cleaner and more sustainable world. Get started recycling deflated balloons, ribbons, AND all your party decorations today!
Be the Change!
In the 1980’s, a cultural change quietly occurred across America to save the birds. A rumor went viral around newsrooms: “Birds were dying” from eating rice tossed for good luck at weddings. A tradition from Roman times, was modernized to protect birds as well-wishers updated to use bubbles and birdseed. Today balloon releases pose a greater threat to all animals on land and in the sea. Together, we can modernize these traditions to prevent plastic balloon litter and protect our planet.
It’s ok to enjoy balloons. Celebrate Responsibly. Never let them go. Help Spread the Word about responsible balloon practices.
Inception: January 2023