July 2010
Using balloons in your
fundraising campaign
A Brightsource environmental briefing
Contents
1
Introduction ......................................................................................................................3
2
The environmental impact of balloons ...........................................................................4
3
Best practice guidelines ..................................................................................................6
4
Resources ........................................................................................................................7
Brightsource
Head Office: St. James’s House, St. James’ Square, Cheltenham, GL50 3PR. Tel 01242 534200
Edinburgh Office: 116 Dundas Street, Edinburgh, EH3 5EE. Tel 0131 523 0180
London Office: 7 Midford Place, London W1T 5BG Tel 0207 874 6930
www.brightsource.co.uk
Document prepared by: Lindsay Travis, [email protected]
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1
Introduction
Charity balloon events can be an evocative way to draw attention to an important cause. Mass balloon
releases can create an exciting and emotional way to engage donors and supporters, and provide an allimportant photo opportunity for the local and national press.
Over recent years, however, well respected environmental and wildlife groups such as the Marine
Conservation Society, the RSPB and the Wildlife Trusts have highlighted the damage that can be caused
by balloons, and are increasingly stepping up their call for balloon release events to be banned. They are
also encouraging their members to report planned balloon releases, and to write to event organisers to
persuade them to consider alternatives.
Charities need to consider the potential impact of such an event on their reputation as a responsible
organisation. Indeed, several charitable and commercial organisations have now decided not to use
balloons at all in their fundraising or marketing campaigns.
This paper outlines the key environmental issues, and provides guidelines for charities to reduce the
impact of their event on the environment.
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2
The environmental impact of balloons
Wildlife and pollution
Latex balloons
When helium-filled latex balloons are released, an estimated 90-95% of them rise to a height of 5 miles,
where the temperature and pressure causes them to freeze, burst into small fragments, and fall to the
ground. The remaining 5-10% may drift for many miles before returning to the land or sea – sometimes
still semi-inflated.
Because they are made of natural rubber, latex balloons or balloon fragments will eventually biodegrade
completely. Environmental conditions will determine how long this takes, but it is likely to be between 6
months and several years.
During this time, marine animals such as dolphins, whales and turtles can – and do - eat the fragments. It
has been suggested that they mistake the balloons for their natural prey such as jellyfish. Environmental
groups and balloon manufacturers disagree as to whether there is proper scientific evidence that
ingesting balloons causes harm or death to animals. However, it is reasonable to assume that it won’t
do them any good!
Foil balloons
The shiny balloons sometimes known as ‘foil’ balloons, or (mistakenly) as ‘Mylar’ balloons, are actually
made from metalized nylon. It is unclear how long this material takes to break down in the environment,
but being a polymer it likely to take several years, and will never fully biodegrade.
Foil balloons have also been found inside the digestive tracts of dead birds and animals. There is
general agreement that this type of balloon should not be released, but only used in tethered or indoor
situations.
Strings and plastic items
Many balloons are released into the air with attachments – strings (natural or synthetic ribbon), plastic
inflation valves, labels and so on.
Strings pose a particular risk to wildlife – birds and marine creatures can become entangled, unable to
move and starve to death. Small plastic items such as valves, and non-biodegradable labels and tags,
will pollute the environment in which they fall, and are also choking hazards.
Are balloons classified as ‘Litter’?
Whilst common sense dictates that balloons that are released into the environment are a form of litter,
current legislation does not officially define them as such. Balloons are not currently included within the
scope of the 2005 Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act, and there is therefore no national
legislation preventing the release of balloons. However, environmental charities are campaigning to have
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this legislation amended, and several local authorities have used their statutory powers to ban the release
of balloons in their areas.
Carbon footprint & climate change
Detailed lifecycle carbon footprints are not yet available for balloons. The carbon footprint of the latex
contained in an average 12” balloon can however be calculated as approximately 5g CO21.
Helium is an inert gas, and its release into the atmosphere does not directly contribute to climate change.
However, it is produced by extraction from natural gas. There are some concerns that the demand for
helium may soon outstrip supply, and its use for recreational purposes such as inflating balloons will
restrict supply to important medical uses such as within MRI scanners.
1
A 12” latex balloon weighs 3.08g. The carbon footprint of natural latex is 1.63kg CO2/kg. The carbon
footprint of the latex contained within the balloon (but not the formation of the balloon itself, transport
etc) is therefore 3.08 x 1.63 = 5g CO2.
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3
Best practice guidelines
1. Consider alternative options
We recommend careful consideration of the environmental and reputational risks outlined above before
opting for a balloon release campaign or event.
Alternatives could include: planting seedlings with biodegradable message tags or tying messages to a
mature tree or other spectacular structure. If you want a race event, there is now even a virtual option (see
Resources, below), or you could design your own ‘race’ using Facebook or Twitter…
2. Check local regulations & inform the authorities
Some local authorities have now banned balloon releases in their area, so if you do decide to use
balloons, make sure that you check local legislation.
If you plan to release more than 5,000 balloons you must also apply for permission from the Civil
Aviation Authority in advance. It is also good practice to inform them of smaller balloon release events.
3. Use responsible suppliers
The trade body for balloon suppliers is NABAS. They have a Code of Good Practice for minimising the
environmental impact of balloon events, which their members sign up to. To find a NABAS member, go
to the NABAS website listed below, where you can search for suppliers in your area.
4. Choose biodegradable balloons
Always choose natural latex balloons, which are biodegradable. FSC certified and Fair Trade balloons are
also available.
5. Don’t add any extras
Don’t attach any string or ribbon to your balloons. Tie balloons by hand rather than using a plastic valve.
If you want to add messages, consider writing on the balloons themselves rather than adding labels. Any
weight added to the balloon may prevent it from rising to the height necessary for it to disintegrate. If
you must add a label, make sure it is fully biodegradable (e.g. paper), and as light as possible.
6. Fill the balloons completely
Make sure that your supplier or event organiser fills your balloons completely with helium. Unfilled
balloons will not rise high enough to disintegrate, and may float at a low level for many miles before
landing in one piece.
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4
Resources
Marine Conservation Society
Tel: 01989 566017, www.mcs.org
Virtual balloon races
www.balloonrace.com
Civil Aviation Authority – Airpsace Utilisation Section
Tel: 020 7453 6599
NABAS (National Association of Balloon Artists and Suppliers)
Tel: 01989 762204, www.nabas.co.uk
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