Graduation season in Santa Barbara is a time of excitement, achievement, and pride. From family gatherings to backyard parties and campus ceremonies, it’s a moment many students and families will remember for a lifetime. But as we toss our caps in the air and celebrate the future, there’s one tradition we’d all be smarter to leave behind: Mylar balloons.
They may be shiny, festive, and photogenic, but Mylar balloons come with an environmental cost our coastline simply can’t afford.
The Problem with Mylar Balloons
Mylar (a type of plastic film often coated with a metallic finish) doesn’t break down naturally. When released, intentionally or by accident, these balloons can travel long distances and cause significant harm:
- Wildlife Threats: Birds, sea turtles, and marine mammals often mistake balloon fragments for food, leading to ingestion, choking, or fatal blockages.
- Ocean Pollution: Balloons released inland frequently end up in storm drains and rivers that flow directly into the ocean. Once there, they become part of the growing crisis of plastic pollution.
- Power Hazards: Mylar conducts electricity. When they drift into power lines, they can cause outages and even fires—something Santa Barbara utility crews have dealt with too often.
Why It Matters in Santa Barbara
We live in a place defined by its natural beauty. From our coastline and creeks to the Channel Islands just offshore, Santa Barbara’s environment is fragile and deeply interconnected. Every piece of Mylar litter puts local ecosystems at risk.
Graduation is a moment for looking ahead. So let’s think about the kind of future we’re handing to the next generation. Our grads deserve to walk into a cleaner, healthier world, not one clogged with avoidable plastic waste.
Smart Ways to Celebrate
You don’t have to sacrifice celebration to protect the planet. Here are some festive, eco-friendly alternatives to Mylar balloons:
- Reusable Banners & Signs – Custom signs make great photo ops and can be saved as keepsakes.
- Potted Plants, Flowers, or Leis – A living gift that grows with your grad.
- Photo Booths & Memory Boards – Celebrate with stories, not single-use plastics.
- Biodegradable Decor – If you’re set on balloons, opt for responsibly sourced latex (and never release them!).
As we cheer on this year’s graduates, let’s also show them how to celebrate responsibly. By skipping the Mylar, you’re sending a message that’s just as important as any diploma: we care about the future: yours, and the planet’s.