Plastic straws have been in the news lately as people and corporations endeavour to reduce single use plastic items. Straws are a great starting point; life without straws is entirely possible.

‘Creative landfill’ is a term used to describe the immense number of single use plastic items that can be found in most households, mine included. Items such as non-refillable pens, disposable razors, plastic picnic utensils, just to give a few examples. At least when these are thrown out, they are recycled (when possible) or go to the landfill which is managed for waste. 

Balloons are a different story. Often released en masse as part of a ceremony, helium balloons are pretty sight as they sail off into the great beyond. However, they are not pre-programmed to make it to the landfill. Balloons can travel for miles and will land wherever the wind takes them — into lakes, oceans, green-spaces, conservation areas, and well, you get the drift. 

I’m not one to rain on anybody’s parade. I’m just drawing attention to the ‘creative litter’ aspect of balloons. Most are not made of biodegradable material. Even those balloons that supposedly are, it still take years for them to break down. That is plenty of time for a littered balloon to be mistaken for a snack by the local wildlife. And I don’t mean your neighbour Bill.

Celebrations and memorials without balloon releases are still celebrations and memorials. There are plenty of eco-friendly alternatives. Google away my friends and find one that suits your purposes. Flower petals perhaps? Bubbles?

I hope you enjoyed reading this blog.  Your comments, questions, ideas and suggestions are always welcome.  You can comment here, or choose between Facebook, Twitter, or the contact button.  

Anne Milne is an every Sunday blogger.  I keep it short and to the point.  Topics are as wide ranging as a straight but not narrow path.