With shimmering colors and fantastic shapes, Mylar balloons can lift the spirits of any event. Be it a birthday, “Get Well Soon,” Graduation celebration or Valentine’s Day – receiving a Mylar balloon will undeniably put a smile on your face.
The problem is, Mylar balloons are horribly destructive. Virtually non-recyclable (see Recycling here), Mylar balloons contribute to the 8 million tons of plastic pollution that finds its way into the ocean EVERY YEAR. It’s one of the top three items removed from the Santa Barbara Channel—deadly to marine life and compounding the amount of debris in our local ocean.
Keep reading to learn more about why that brief smile from a Mylar balloon isn’t worth it.