Alternative to balloons for decorations

In this article we will be looking at alternatives to balloons for decorations. Balloons have been used for many decades as a fun, classic, easy way to celebrate but more recently the awareness of the harm caused to wildlife and our eco system for many outweighs the enjoyment. Luckily there are many other creative ideas to get the space you want decorated looking just as good, if not better!

Tissue paper pompoms: not only are these really easy to make, they also look great and are eco-friendly. Tissue paper is made from either recycled materials or wood fibres. Once used you can reuse it for wrapping or crafts. If you don’t want to reuse it tissue paper is 100% recyclable, or you can pop it on your compost pile.

Bunting/banners: Fabric or paper bunting it a great alternative to balloons for decorations. Whether you choose to make your own or buy ones already made it’s a great way to get creative with so many to choose from. You can sew or write your own message on it. Bunting doesn’t always need to be made out of triangles. You can choose any shape to go with your theme. Some environmentally friendly materials for bunting are hessian burlap, recycled cardboard, paper, any recycled fabrics. For the twine jute is a strong, biodegradable, eco friendly option.

Pinwheels/mini windmill: These are great fun and easy to come by however most ones you find in shops are made from plastic. Luckily there are many ways to make an eco friendly version at home. To make sure they don’t end up in landfill you can use paper straws and biodegradable paper. Another option is to use seed paper which after use you can plant and make your own wildflower patch.

Paper chains: These aren’t just for Christmas. These look great as decorations for any event. You can choose the best paper to suit your theme or reuse paper around the house. You can even make paper chains using old newspapers. Instead of glue or staplers a staple-less paper stapler is a good eco friendly alternative.

Streamers: paper streamers are great for the kids to run around with and are 100% biodegradable.

Bubbles: Bubbles are a great way to get the same chasing and popping fun aspect that balloons have. Giant bubbles are even more fun, this environmentally friendly, reusable wooden string wand means anyone over the age of three can make giant bubbles.

Rag garland: Recycling fabric to make a garland is an eco alternative to balloons for decorations. You can use any old fabric to make a rag garland including old clothes. It’s also a good way to make a keepsake out of clothes which have sentimental value.

Although there are biodegradable balloon options these roughly take 4 years to decompose with the right conditions. This is far too long and can prove fatal for innocent wildlife long before they even start to decompose. Researchers from the University of Tasmania found balloons to be more deadly when ingested by seabirds than any other kind of plastic debris. The team of researchers carried out an examination on 1,733 dead seabirds. The shocking results found that 32% had ingested plastic debris, and while soft plastics such as balloons accounted for only 5% of the ingested plastics, they were responsible for 42% of the seabird deaths! The ideas above are just a few alternatives to balloons for decorations. There are many more options available with a little imagination which wont potentially cost an innocent life. If you have any more suggestions please leave a comment at the bottom of this page.

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