By Sister Sue Gallagher
Once in a while I listen to Vatican News. Today I tuned in to hear that Pope Francis made a visit to the Vatican Summer Camp! The time was described as festive with the children wearing colorful tee shirts and hats. It sounded great until the reporter added “and 300 biodegradable balloons.” I thought this sounded like a bit of greenwashing. I, like a lot of people, enjoy the fun balloons can add to a celebration; however, I swore off balloons of any kind years ago!
A quick search supported my skepticism about ecofriendly balloons! An article in the Conversation reported: “For decades, the industry relied on one industry-funded study from 1989 which claimed that after six short weeks, balloons degraded ‘at about the same rate as oak tree leaves’ and there was no way balloons were a threat to wildlife.” The research in this article debunks the claim that any balloon is biodegradable. These kinds of balloons are just as toxic as any other plastic.
It should be noted here that biodegradable is not the same as compostable. Biodegradable simply means that the balloons will eventually break down into smaller pieces while potentially leaving behind toxic waste in the environment. Compostable refers to organic matter that will completely break down, leaving valuable nutrients and no toxic residue behind. Products that claim to be compostable should be ‘certified compostable’ (albeit only in an industrial facility) by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI). Based on recent research, no BPI-certified balloons have been found.
Some states have banned balloons from being released outdoors. For example, California, Connecticut, Florida, Tennessee and Virginia prohibit balloon release; and Pennsylvania has a law moving through the House banning the same.
Ah, they are so much fun and so pretty! Please consider putting balloons on your “do not use” list! Don’t use balloons! At the very least do not release balloons outdoors. Do not use helium-filled balloons, which is a critically limited resource.
Consider alternatives to balloons, like bubbles. Make educated purchases with federal Green Guidelines. Other reusable and/or compostable options to consider for decoration centerpieces would be potted plants (in ceramic or clay pots, if possible), banners and garland made from cloth, light strings, etc.
Balloons are pretty – to a point. They are quite deadly in many ways!