Balloon Release.com - FAQ's, Pictures


	FAQ's
	Frequently Asked Questions Regarding a Balloon Release
		BEFORE releasing balloons, please carefully review the information below. Please limit your balloon release to 10 or fewer balloons. Balloon Releases: Environmental Fact or Fiction? Erroneous reports about balloons and balloon releases harming the environment have appeared in major newspapers and on national TV news programs. Many of these reports contain inaccurate claims made by well-intentioned people who care deeply about the earth’s ecology — but lack the facts. Balloons used in special event releases constitute only a small fraction of the industry’s sales. Unfortunately, these spurious claims have caused a chilling effect at the local level and unnecessary financial strain on many of America’s small, independent balloon retailers who depend on special events as a major source of their livelihoods. Small industries such as delivery and decorating services also suffer. Most consumers don’t have the time or inclination to sort through bad information disguised as fact — often resulting in a negative perception that balloons are bad. Latex balloons are sometimes confused with plastic items and lumped in with the plastics litter problem. The oft-used phrase, “latex balloons and other plastics” is improper. Latex is not a plastic. It’s organic, made from the sap of rubber trees collected through an absolutely harmless tapping process very simple to that used for collecting the maple sap used for making syrup. Moreover, latex balloons are totally biodegradable — the only type of balloon used in a professionally-produced mass release. A latex balloon’s molecular structure begins breaking down with inflation and gathers momentum when exposed to sunlight and the atmosphere. Within three hours, most latex balloons released into the atmosphere rise to approximately five miles, begin to oxidize, freeze and shatter into spaghetti-like pieces. Once on the ground gases and microorganisms attack the latex, continuing the natural decomposition process — even in the dark. Scientific research, most notably by D.K. Burchette in, “A Study of the Effect of Balloon Releases on the Environment,” demonstrates that latex balloons decompose at a rate equal to — or faster than — an oak leaf under similar conditions. Mylar balloons are foil-like, usually silver and cost significantly more (retailing for $3 - $8 each) than latex balloons. Mylar is a synthetic, metallized plastic/nylon material which is recyclable, but not biodegradable. Consequently, Mylar balloons are never used in a release. Helium-filled Mylar balloons do get away accidentally because a string breaks or a consumer lets go. These incidents seem to be diminishing as a result of ongoing in-store awareness campaigns to encourage anchoring these balloons with decorative weights. 1.Use only hand-tied latex balloons and no plastic attachments. 2. Never release metallic balloons. 3. Never attach metallic ribbon to helium-filled balloons. Metallic ribbon and balloons conduct electricity and may come in contact with power lines when released. We encourage environmentally responsible behavior when releasing balloons. There are some simple rules to follow that help to keep balloon releases safe. We always practice the following steps to insure that our balloon releases are environmentally safe - ~ Never tie ANYTHING to balloons which are being released. Messages can easily be written on the balloons with a felt tip pen. ~ Only use biodegradable balloons. FYI- Latex is naturally occurring material made from tree sap. ~ Always use fully inflated balloons, and release shortly after filling. More info at: http://www.balloonhq.com/BalloonCouncil/facts.html :: :: Consider releasing butterflies rather than balloons if in an area which prohibits balloon release, or there is significant concern over sea life, etc... In Hawaii, we suggest www.butterfliesoverhawaii.com . The owner of Butterflies Over Hawaii is a man named Art, a very friendly man, who shares his love of butterflies and the Hawaiian Islands with customers. What are balloons made of? There are basically two types of balloons, foil balloons and latex balloons. The foil balloons (often referred to as Mylar), are a bladder made of nylon that is covered with a layer of aluminum that is 0.0015 of an inch thick. Latex balloons are made from the sap of rubber trees - a completely natural substance. Are latex balloons biodegradable? Yes. Latex is the product of rubber tree sap, it breaks down when exposed to the elements of nature. How long does it take for a balloon to biodegrade? Oxidation is the first step in the breakdown of a latex balloon and it begins within approximately one hour of inflation. Oxidation is visible in some types of balloons as a cloudy appearance. This is most evident when the balloon is exposed to direct sunlight, heat or normal outdoor conditions. Research was carried out in July 1989 with a variety of balloons under various conditions to accurately gauge the time needed for the latex to degrade. Results from this study indicate that the decomposition time for balloons is about the same rate as an oak leaf (6 months). What happens when a balloon is released? A scientific survey carried out in 1989 revealed that on release a balloon will float up to a height of approximately 5 miles and then it becomes brittle and shatters into miniscule pieces falling back to earth at a rate of circa one piece every 5 square miles. Problems can arise when a balloon is not inflated properly or fully or is carrying too much weight and therefore does not reach the height at which shattering occurs. This situation causes a potential danger to wildlife and the environment. What can I do to reduce this risk? The Balloon Industry has produced a Code of Conduct, with input from leading environmental organizations; you should follow this advice to the letter. ::