Environment
Balloon Expressions is committed to the environment by ensuring we are aware and sell products that help protect our environment
Where do Balloons come from?
Latex balloons are produced from the milky sap of the rubber tree, Hevea brasillensis. The rubber tree originated in the tropical forests of South America and was taken to Europe from Brazil - hence the Latin name. It is now grown on plantations in many tropical countries. The latex is collected in buckets, as it drips from harmless cuts in the bark. The process is much like that used to collect maple syrup. The use of latex balloons and other products, such as surgical gloves and condoms, make rubber trees economically valuable, which discourages people from cutting them down and provides a valuable revenue to many third world countries.
Balloon ARE 100% Biodegradable
Latex is a 100% natural substance that breaks down both in sunlight and water and should never be confused with plastic. The degradation process begins almost immediately after a balloon is manufactured. Oxidation, the "frosting" that makes latex balloons look as if they are losing their colour, is one of the first signs of this process. Exposure to sunlight quickens the process, but natural microorganisms attack natural rubber, even in the dark and over time depending on the environment condidtions.
What happens to balloons that are released into the air?
Often latex balloons are released either on purpose or accidentally. Research shows that most of these latex balloons rise to an altitude of about eight kilometres, where they freeze, then break into small stringy like pieces that scatter as they return to earth.
Balloon litter?
Balloons are not a significant litter problem. However, we always encourage our customers to dispose of balloons properly. We supply weights for helium-filled balloons to keep them from floating away accidentally.
It is IMPORTANT to note that Small Children should ALWAYS be supervised while playing with latex balloons because of the possibility of choking.