“Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.”
-George Bernard Shaw
The Glitzy Balloon Company take environmental issues very seriously and feel it is important to point out that balloon release is a huge no no and we would never sell to anyone that would want balloons for that reason.
Balloon decor is a versatile design option for any event. Latex balloons, in particular, add a whimsical quality to decor that is hard to deny. But what happens to a latex balloon after it pops? In today’s environmentally-conscious world, this is an important question?
We’ve found that most people who claim balloons are bad for the environment, believe that balloons are made from plastic and that’s simply not the case!
We care about the environment and we love being able to use balloons to make people’s decor dreams a reality!
What are Balloons made from?
Latex is a natural product derived from trees and is therefore biodegradable. The production of latex is a natural process of many plants, and tapping of the trees does not harm them. Latex harvesting discourages deforestation because latex-producing trees are left intact. A tree can produce latex for up to 40 years. latex balloons are made from the sap of a rubber tree so they’re completely natural.
What happens to the balloons when you’re done with them?
Latex balloons are 100% bio and photo degradable. In other words, latex breaks down under normal environmental conditions like other natural products. In fact, the rate of decay, under the same conditions, is approximately the same as that of an oak leaf.
Aren’t balloons a serious choking hazard?
Uninflated and broken balloons may be a choking hazard for small children. Adult supervision is always recommended around balloons for this reason. We encourage discarding of broken balloons at once to avoid any mishaps with children picking up scraps. Airigami installations are usually intended to be viewed and not handled, so accidental popping of balloons in a finished sculpture is rare and there should be no chance of choking. Reports of children choking on balloons are rare. With proper adult supervision, the risk can be eliminated entirely.
Who is at risk from latex allergies?
Latex allergies present a moderate to serious health problem for a very small percentage of the population. Reactions to naturally produced latex may range from minor skin irritation to reactions so severe that immediate emergency medical treatment is required to prevent death. Those most at risk of having an allergic reaction to latex are in the medical arena —doctors, nurses, dentists, technicians, and certain patients. These people are exposed to latex gloves and equipment which has latex on it. In other words, you aren’t likely to experience a latex allergy for the first time at a fun event with balloons. In most cases, you’ll know about a latex allergy you have from a past experience in a medical setting.
Did you know?
Pioneer Balloon Company (Our main supplier) is committed to responsible sourcing, all Qualatex latex balloons are made from rubber trees located in plantations that are Rainforest Alliance Certified™.
In order to become certified, farms must meet criteria of the Rainforest Alliance Sustainable Agriculture Standard. The Standard encompasses all three pillars of sustainability-social, economic, and environmental. Rainforest Alliance Certified™ farms are audited regularly to verify that farmers are complying with the Standard’s comprehensive requirements, which require continual improvement on the journey to sustainable agriculture. The Standard is built on these important principles of sustainable farming:
The Rainforest Alliance is a growing network of farmers, foresters, communities, scientists, governments, environmentalists, and businesses dedicated to conserving biodiversity and ensuring sustainable livelihoods. We are an international non-profit organization working to build strong forests, healthy agricultural landscapes, and thriving communities through creative, pragmatic collaboration.
- Biodiversity conservation
- Improved livelihoods and human well-being
- Natural resource conservation
- Effective planning and farm management systems
