Balloon releases and sky lanterns are familiar sights at festivals, birthdays, weddings, memorials, and New Year’s Eve celebrations. But what goes up must come down. After guests disperse and the other decorations have been packed away, the balloons and lantern frames that create a few moments of happiness for one short party will litter the surrounding area for months or even years. That’s why many environmentally-minded people are on the lookout for alternatives to balloon releases.
Balloons, sky lanterns, and plastic confetti aren’t recyclable and take years to biodegrade.
They break into smaller and smaller pieces until they turn into microplastics, which are consumed by fish, birds, turtles, and other wildlife. Microplastics are finding their way into our bodies through the waterways and the food chain, potentially harming our health. In recent years, scientists have found microplastics in human blood samples, hearts, the placenta of unborn babies, and even in our reproductive organs.
More than 270 experts recently rated balloons as a major threat to marine mammals, seabirds, and turtles.
With balloons receiving such a bad rap in recent years, many are turning to sky lanterns as an alternative way to celebrate, but they come with their own set of environmental concerns.
Sending lanterns up into the air or releasing colorful balloons is a symbolic way to commemorate a loved one. But when you think about it, these activities are basically littering. It’s worth asking: is that a respectful way to honor a special person or a special day?
While it can be hard to break with tradition, there are plenty of eco-friendly alternatives to plastic confetti, mass balloon releases, and sky lanterns. Here are a few of our favorite ways to celebrate and memorialize without endangering animals or local communities.
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Choose a color, style, or shape to fit any event theme! Kites are typically made from lightweight and durable materials, ensuring they can be used repeatedly without creating pollution. Additionally, kite flying is a sustainable activity as it utilizes wind power, a clean and renewable energy source. Unfortunately, balloon releases and sky lanterns rely on non-renewable resources, like helium or fire, but kite flying harnesses the natural power of the wind. Moreover, kite flying promotes outdoor engagement, physical activity, and a sense of wonder, connecting individuals to nature and fostering a greater appreciation for the environment.
Luminarias or reusable luminaries are a great, eco-friendly alternative to balloon releases and sky lanterns due to their minimal environmental impact. They typically consist of small candles or LED lights placed in mason jars or paper bags weighted down with sand, creating a warm and ambient glow. They do not create litter or pose fire hazards, making them a safe and sustainable choice for adding a touch of elegance and illumination to events or gatherings.
Invite party guests to help create a pod of origami whales! Origami whales can be crafted using recycled paper, reducing waste and promoting sustainability. They symbolize appreciation for marine life and serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting our oceans without posing any risks to wildlife or the environment. They’re easier to make than you may think. Just watch this video for instructions!
And you don’t have to stop at whales; there’s a whole world of origami ocean creatures to explore and create. From shrimp to jellyfish, crabs to seahorses, you can have your guests create a different marine animal every year and even start building up an underwater-themed collection!
Planting a tree or flower creates a symbolic, long-lasting, eco-friendly memorial that honors a loved one and the earth. Planting is an exceptionally eco-friendly alternative to balloon releases and sky lanterns because it actively contributes to preserving and restoring the environment. By planting trees, flowers, or native plants, we help combat climate change, improve air quality, and provide habitat for wildlife. Additionally, planting activities foster a sense of connection to nature and promote environmental stewardship, inspiring individuals to take an active role in caring for the planet. This is a tangible and sustainable way to celebrate and make a positive impact on the ecosystem at the same time.
If you don’t have space to plant something, place a painted rock or stone somewhere meaningful. This will eliminate the need for single-use items that contribute to waste and pollution. Stones are natural and abundant materials that can be found locally, reducing the carbon footprint associated with their acquisition. Unlike balloons and sky lanterns, painted stones do not pose a risk of littering or endangering animals. They can be enjoyed as decorative pieces or hidden as part of a community scavenger hunt, fostering a sense of connection to nature and promoting sustainability. Just be sure to use eco-friendly paints wherever possible.
Instead of releasing sky lanterns, organize a lantern painting activity. Lantern painting is a fantastic, eco-friendly alternative, because it allows for creative expression without any negative impact on the environment. By engaging in lantern painting activities, participants can decorate and personalize lanterns, resulting in beautiful displays without the risk of fire hazards or littering. Plus, they get to take their lanterns with them afterward to decorate their home. This alternative promotes sustainability, artistic expression, and a sense of celebration while respecting and preserving the natural world.
Divers love blowing bubbles underwater, and it’s just as fun topside! Bubble blowing is a wonderful, eco-friendly alternative, as it produces no waste or litter that can harm the environment. The non-toxic bubble solutions used in bubble blowing ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for both participants and the ecosystem. Moreover, bubble blowing is a fun and interactive activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, creating magical moments without any negative ecological impact. Here’s a recipe for a bubble solution made with eco-friendly dish soap.
Confetti has always been a popular choice for celebrations, but traditional confetti is often made from plastic or other non-biodegradable materials that can harm the environment and break down into microplastics. Instead, throw something natural, like birdseed, flower petals, or dried autumn leaves. Make your own confetti by shredding biodegradable waste paper or using a hole punch on leaves or flower petals.
You can also create seed bombs by mixing clay, compost, and native wildflower or tree seeds. Participants can throw them in suitable areas, promoting reforestation and the growth of pollinator-friendly plants.
Pinwheels, ribbon wands, and bells are exceptional eco-friendly alternatives to balloon releases and sky lanterns due to their numerous advantages. Firstly, they have minimal environmental impact, as they are typically made from sustainable materials and do not contribute to pollution or waste. Additionally, they are reusable, reducing the need for single-use items and promoting sustainability. For wildlife, they eliminate the risks of ingestion and entanglement. Moreover, these alternatives offer interactive and engaging experiences, fostering a sense of joy and celebration without harming animals or the environment. Their versatility allows them to be used in various settings and they are cost-effective. With their eco-friendly attributes and ability to create a festive atmosphere, these alternatives truly shine as sustainable choices for celebrations and gatherings.
Replace traditional fireworks with digital alternatives. Virtual reality (VR) or digital fireworks create stunning visual displays using projection mapping technology, reducing the environmental impact associated with conventional fireworks. This projection mapping technology allows you to create epic shows without the noise and air pollution associated with pyrotechnics. Digital fireworks can also be used indoors, making them a versatile option in case of any outdoor restrictions or bad weather. With digital fireworks, you have endless possibilities for creative expression. Plus, your pets are sure to be big fans!
We know that balloon releases and sky lanterns aren’t the only way celebrations can take a toll on the environment. Think about all the aspects of your next celebration when you’re in the planning stage, and you’ll be surprised at the ways you can make your event better for the environment. Here are a couple of things to think about.
We all want our kids to have amazing birthdays, but unfortunately, many birthday party essentials come with a high environmental cost.
Nowadays, there are plenty of ways to celebrate and throw a fun and unforgettable party without compromising the environment. With a little bit of creativity and thoughtfulness, you can make your next celebration an eco-friendly one while instilling environmental consciousness from a young age.
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In recent years, gender reveal parties have become increasingly popular as a way for expectant parents to announce the sex of their baby and celebrate with friends and family. However, these parties have come under scrutiny for their massive environmental impact, as many involve extravagant plastic decorations and environmentally harmful practices, such as releasing balloons and blue or pink smoke into the air.
Instead, consider eco-friendly alternatives, such as cutting into a cake with colored filling or opening an umbrella filled with biodegradable confetti or colored flower petals to rain down on the future parents. These options still allow for the fun and excitement of a reveal without any negative impact on the environment.
If you are fortunate enough to live in an area with easy access to green spaces, a stretch of beach, or a place that holds priceless memories, consider a walk you repeat on special occasions or a picnic spot you revisit for these events. You could even turn the memorial walk into a fundraising event for an environmental cause your loved one was passionate about.
A memorial plaque or bench are other great alternatives to balloon releases and sky lanterns, and they are a wonderful way to honor someone. It doesn’t need to cost the planet or your pocket. You can get creative with homemade ideas and natural materials. This will also be more sentimental than something purchased.
You may have found information that latex balloons biodegrade “as quickly as an oak leaf.” However, just like many of the claims made by the manufacturers of other single-use plastic items, the biodegradable label they add is misleading.
This statement would be true if balloons were made from 100 percent natural latex, but they’re not. Biodegradable balloons are made from latex processed with dyes, plasticizers, and other chemicals. Research shows that balloons marketed as biodegradable take years to fully decompose. During that time, they can become the last meal of a hungry bird, turtle, or beloved neighborhood pet. Additionally, the ribbon attached to the balloons can cause serious injuries or even strangle birds, marine life, or other animals.
Whatever alternatives to balloon releases and sky lanterns you choose, think about the individual components. Are you able to tell if the materials are actually biodegradable? Can you make changes to better our planet? The ideas above are just a few ways to enhance a wedding, birthday, memorial, or other event without creating an environmental hazard.
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