I went to a free balloon animal show at the Rochester, NY Public Library today with my nieces and I learned an interesting fact about balloons. The two performers, who call themselves "Just Clowning Around", in addition to making some fabulous balloon animals and shapes, also informed the assembled crowd that latex balloons biodegrade in about as much time as an oak leaf (circa 10 years). Who knew? Latex balloons are made from the latex harvested from rubber trees in Southeast Asia. Being a naturally-derived product, latex balloons biodegrade just like other natural substances. There are some concerns about the environmental impact of mass balloon launches, but according to the Balloon Council (who ever knew there was such a thing?), only self-tied latex balloons with no strings or ribbons attached are used in professional mass balloon launches, per industry standards. Also, balloon litter ranked 37th out of 80 of the Center for Marine Conservation's list of common items, which I guess is pretty good? The Balloon Council also claims that there is only anecdotal evidence of latex balloons being the cause of death of marine animals. If anything, they say that mylar balloons, which are those silvery balloons commonly sold in supermarkets, are a greater danger to marine animals and the environment because they are made out of a metalized nylon that doesn't biodegrade.
So, next time you're planning little Billy's birthday bash, consider: mylar balloons bad, latex balloons better? Yep.
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