Latex Balloons and the Environment

When used responsibly, balloons bring a great deal of color, fun and excitement to the world.

Latex balloons are not plastic and are made from natural rubber. Natural Latex is harvested from rubber trees and is a renewable resource. Even though balloons are made from natural materials, we do not want balloons and their accessories to be littering the environment. Balloons and helium-filled balloons should be properly weighted and disposed of properly after they are enjoyed.

 

A number of latex balloon manufacturers source the natural latex used to make their balloons from Rainforest Alliance Certified Plantations. The Rainforest Alliance is an international, non-profit organization working to build strong forests, healthy agricultural landscapes and thriving communities through creative and pragmatic collaboration. They are a growing network of farmers, foresters, communities, scientists, governments, environmentalists and businesses. This network is dedicated to conserving biodiversity and ensuring sustainable livelihoods.

 

Rubber Trees (Hevea Braziliensis)

1.  Rubber Trees are an ancient rainforest species originally from the Amazon Jungle in Brazil.

2. Rubber Tree plantations allow for the sustainable harvest of goods, similar to nuts and other “extractive reserves”, while protecting against the clear cutting of trees.

3.  The maintenance and planting of rubber trees has a significant impact on reducing climate change. Carbon sequestration is achieved through the uptake of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and its conversion into cellulose and organic matter.

4. The amount of carbon sequestered in 1 acre of a 31 year old stand of rubber trees is nearly 240 Megatonnes.

5.  Four Rubber Trees counteract the environmental footprint of an average person from a middle income society.

6.  A single Rubber Tree, during its lifetime, counteracts the carbon emissions from a car being driven over 22,300 miles.

7.  Rubber plantations are able to sell carbon offsets to a country that emits carbon above agreed-upon limits.

8.  The biodegradability of latex is being studied scientifically worldwide.