Published: August 2024
If Bluey knew the impact of balloon releases, the playful pup would likely swap balloons for “Keepy Uppy” games that save our environment.
“We must act now to protect our marine life and preserve our environment,” urged Karen Joynes, co-founder of No Balloon Release Australia.
“The problem is that people use balloons without understanding the dangers. Plus, I’m not sure how many local councils or the government regulate the release or accidental release of balloons.”
Ms Joynes is advocating for national regulation on the sale and use of helium to prevent balloon releases at the source.
Clean-up
Recent clean-up efforts along Australia’s coastline have revealed alarming numbers of balloon remnants, highlighting the widespread nature of the problem.
Sea Shepherd Marine Debris Campaign coordinator Karoline Strittmatter noted the 2024 results from clean-ups conducted in Western Australia.
“So far this year alone, during only three clean-ups, we have found 44 balloons at Whitford Nodes Park, 18 balloons at Trigg Beach’s Clark Reserve area, and 36 balloons at Eden Beach in Jindalee.”
Environmental advocates also warn of the “shifting baseline syndrome,” a phenomenon where people accept the current degraded state of the environment as normal because they are unaware of how it was in the past.
This syndrome emphasises the importance of educating the public about the historical abundance of wildlife and the pristine conditions of natural habitats before modern pollution levels become prevalent.
Balloons, which were not as ubiquitous decades ago, now contribute significantly to environmental degradation, yet many do not question their use.
“For example, mylar balloons did not exist until more recently, yet they are now widely used and promoted for celebrations and commemorations,” Ms Joynes said.
Mylar balloons
“Mylar balloons add to the planet’s single-use plastic waste load and break up into microplastics, adding to the chemical pollution on the land and in waterways.
“They also contribute to climate change as they are made from fossil fuels. Before mylar balloons, people made their own reusable decorations from paper or cardboard.
“Mylar balloons are shinier than latex balloons because they are made of two different materials.
“The base material is mylar, which is a type of nylon, while the outer, thin layer is foil, which is aluminium.”
Byron shire council on the east coast has taken a novel approach, introducing a ban on the use of balloons and other single-use decorations in all council buildings, parks, and outdoor areas.
“We know that balloons are one of the most lethal types of debris impacting Australian seabirds and other marine life including turtles, who eat burst balloons because they look like jellyfish,” Byraon mayor Michael Lyon said.
The ban, effective as of June 1, 2024, is part of a new Single-Use Packaging and Materials Policy for the Byron shire, aimed at phasing out unnecessary waste from council operations, facilities, and open spaces.
In a landmark move aimed at protecting marine life and reducing environmental pollution, Western Australia implemented strict regulations banning the release of helium-filled balloons as of January 1, 2022.
Prohibited
Under the new regulations, individuals and organisations are prohibited from releasing any balloon inflated with a gas that causes it to rise into the air, including helium.
The laws also hold supervising adults accountable if a child releases a balloon, demonstrating the government’s firm commitment to tackling marine debris and reducing plastic pollution’s harmful impacts.
Balloons, often released during celebrations and events, pose a significant threat to wildlife once they deflate and fall back to earth. They can travel up to 500 kilometres from the release site before descending, eventually becoming litter that pollutes land and waterways.
These deflated balloons are frequently mistaken for food by marine animals, such as turtles, birds, and fish, leading to ingestion with often fatal consequences.
The ribbons attached to balloons can also entangle and harm animals, further contributing to environmental degradation.
Additionally, inhaling helium, a seemingly harmless gas used to inflate balloons, poses serious health risks.
Inhaling helium can cause asphyxiation, a condition where the body is deprived of oxygen, leading to unconsciousness or even death.
This highlights the need for caution and awareness in the use of helium-filled balloons.
For more information on the regulations and environmentally-conscious practices, contact the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation at plastic-action@dwer.wa.gov.au.
As Western Australia continues its bold step forward in environmental stewardship, the hope is that these regulations will inspire similar initiatives in our local councils, fostering a cleaner and safer environment.