FAQ's ~ {Frequently Asked Questions}
Have a question regarding balloon or butterfly releases, maybe about environmentally friendly and safe biodegradable balloons? You will likely find it here with great tips and links.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding a Balloon Release.
Please always limit your balloon release to 10 or fewer balloons.
BEFORE releasing balloons, please carefully review the information below.
Are latex balloons biodegradable?
Yes, 100%. Latex is a natural product of rubber tree sap, it breaks down when exposed to the elements of nature. Sample Biodegradable Helium Balloons
How long does it take for a balloon to biodegrade?
Oxidation is the first step in the breakdown of a latex balloon and it begins within approximately one hour of inflation. Oxidation is
visible in some types of balloons as a cloudy appearance. This is most evident when the balloon is exposed to direct sunlight, heat or normal outdoor conditions.
Research was carried out in July 1989 with a variety of balloons under various conditions to accurately gauge the time needed for the latex to degrade. Results from this study indicate that the decomposition time for balloons is about the same rate as an oak leaf (6 months).
What happens when a balloon is released?
A scientific survey carried out in 1989 revealed that on release a balloon will float up to a height of approximately 5 miles and then it becomes brittle and shatters into miniscule pieces falling back to earth at a rate of circa one piece every 5 square miles. Problems can usually only arise if a balloon is not inflated properly or fully or is carrying too much weight and therefore does not reach the height at which shattering occurs.
Balloon Releases: Environmentally Safe - Fact or Fiction?
Erroneous reports about balloons and balloon releases harming the environment have appeared in major newspapers and on national TV news programs. Many of these reports contain inaccurate claims made by well-intentioned people who care deeply about the earth’s ecology — but lack the facts.
Balloons used in special event releases constitute only a small fraction of the industry’s sales. Unfortunately, these spurious claims have caused a chilling effect at the local level and unnecessary financial strain on many of America’s small, independent balloon retailers who depend on special events as a major source of their livelihoods. Small industries such as delivery and decorating services also suffer.
Most consumers don’t have the time or inclination to sort through bad information disguised as fact — often resulting in a negative perception that balloons are bad.
Latex balloons are sometimes confused with plastic items and lumped in with the plastics litter problem. The often used phrase, “latex balloons and other plastics” is improper. Latex is not a plastic. It’s organic, made from the sap of rubber trees collected through an absolutely harmless tapping process very simple to that used for collecting the maple sap used for making syrup.
Moreover, latex balloons are totally biodegradable — the only type of balloon used in a professionally-produced mass release. A latex balloon’s molecular structure begins breaking down with inflation and gathers momentum when exposed to sunlight and the atmosphere. Within three hours, most latex balloons released into the atmosphere rise to approximately five miles, begin to oxidize, freeze and shatter into very small spaghetti-like pieces. Once on the ground gases and microorganisms attack the latex, continuing the natural decomposition process — even in the dark.
Scientific research, most notably by D.K. Burchette in, “A Study of the Effect of Balloon Releases on the Environment,” demonstrates that latex balloons decompose at a rate equal to — or faster than — an oak leaf under similar conditions.
Mylar balloons are foil-like, usually silver and cost significantly more (retailing for $4 - $10 each) than latex balloons. Mylar is a synthetic, metallized plastic/nylon material which is recyclable, but not biodegradable. Consequently, Mylar balloons are never used in a release.
Helium-filled Mylar balloons do get away accidentally because a string breaks or a consumer lets go. These incidents seem to be diminishing as a result of ongoing in-store awareness campaigns to encourage anchoring these balloons with decorative weights.
1. Use only hand-tied latex balloons and no plastic attachments.
2. Never release metallic balloons.
3. Never attach metallic ribbon to helium-filled balloons.
Metallic ribbon and balloons conduct electricity and may come in contact with power lines when released.
We encourage environmentally responsible behavior when releasing balloons. There are some simple rules to follow that help to keep balloon releases safe.
We always practice these rules and encourage all to strictly follow steps to insure that your balloon releases are environmentally safe -
~ Never tie ANYTHING to balloons which are being released. Messages can easily be written on the balloons with a felt tip pen.
~ Only use biodegradable balloons. Remember Latex is a naturally occurring material made from tree sap.
~ Always use fully inflated balloons, and release shortly after filling.
~ Please always limit your balloon release to 10 or less balloons.
Sample Biodegradable Helium Balloons - Click Here.
Yes, anything released into our environment should be carefully thought out and done with respect for nature. Please understand that even though some small pieces of the latex sap material are breaking down in the environment, nature's wildlife is familiar and genetically able to distinguish leaves, twigs, sap, bark, shells and other small objects also composting, and avoid them in favor of more suitable food.
Please also understand that we cannot be held responsible for people releasing balloons without adhering to these sensible and easy to follow directions for an environmentally safe event. We hope our message and information is getting out and practiced by all who participate in this special way of celebrating the lives of lost loved ones.
Birth is a beginning
and death a destination
And life is a journey;
A sacred journey to life everlasting
(traditional sympathy poem)
More information on environmentally safe balloon releases can be found at: Balloon HQ - Click Here.
Consider releasing butterflies rather than balloons if in an area which prohibits balloon releases, or there is significant concern over sea life, etc... In Hawaii, we suggest ButterfliesOverHawaii . The owner is named Art, a very friendly man, who shares his love of butterflies and the Hawaiian Islands with customers.
Other great environmentally friendly ways to celebrate the lives of loved ones lost too soon include:
- Dove Releases
- Poem Readings
- Support Groups & Events
- Literature Recitals
- Online Memorial Sites, Tributes & Forums
- Your Own Custom Website Memorial with Blog
Additional thanks to the many who provided information and details regarding balloon releases and safety for the environment.
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We appreciate your donations which keeps this site free and Online for it's visitors special memorial messages and poetry. All funds go directly to operating the site and keeping it's content and information updated; a non-profit organization. Thank you for your support.
