Most of us have memories of releasing a balloon into the sky. Some think it goes up, up, and up until it eventually reaches outer space and disintegrates. However, what many don’t realize is that they always come back down, and when they do, they don’t magically land in a garbage bin.  As with any other product, we must properly dispose of balloons and the ribbons attached to them to preserve the beauty of our environment and its wildlife.

Responsible balloon use is easy!

1. Don’t purposefully release any balloons into the air – they can become tangled in power lines and cause interruptions or float away.

2. Keep all balloons secured to a weight to avoid accidental release.

3. When finished with balloons that you don’t intend to reuse, cut the neck, and properly dispose of them.  Remember that many foil balloons can be deflated and reused.

4. Spread the word! Educating others about responsible balloon use will allow us to enjoy the environment and balloons for years to come.

Balloon releases have long been a festive element of life celebrations. But releases are not a part of responsible balloon use. Thanks to the creativity of many people, there are fun alternatives that achieve the same sentiment without the fallout—quite literally! Click here to get some ideas.

With just a few mindful steps, we can continue to enjoy the wonder and entertainment of balloons.