17d • General discussion
Happy Earth Day! 🌎
I know I basically work with glorified trash for a living, but I care deeply about sustainability and the environment (I mean, we live here, so why wouldn't we?). I even have a degree in Environmental Economics. So it's very important to me that my business is as low-impact as possible 🌱
Fortunately, latex balloons are Biodegradable! They're made from rubber tree sap, so they decompose about as fast as a sturdy leaf 🍃 Most people think they're made from plastic, so I try to correct that notion whenever I can.
Mylar balloons are made from plastic of course, and I very rarely use those, but when a client requests mylar for balloon decor, I deflate and save them afterward.
Unless I'm working with balloon decor, my entire business fits in a backpack 🎒 My balloon apron, pumps, laminated menus, pens, and 2,000-3,000 balloons all fits on my back.
I minimize plastic as best I can, so I stopped using plastic ribbon 🎀and I use my pens & pumps as long as possible before I need to replace them.
I have to drive to events often, but any time I can, I choose public transit and biking 🚲 🚆 since I can just roll up to the function with my business backpack.
When I do decor, I have durable metal stands that I rarely need to replace, and I prefer to use 260s to tie things together rather than fishing line 🎣
Helium is a non-renewable resource, a by-product of fossil fuel extraction, so I very very rarely use it in my designs (although it is hella fun to use) 🎈
And I make a point to scan my work space when I'm done to clean up any balloon scraps that animals might try to eat 🐦
I'm so grateful to have a full-time job I love, that makes great money, and that is so ecologically low-impact 🌿
What do you do to keep your balloon business sustainable, or what do you want to start doing to reduce your impact?
[And of course, as small-scale businesses and individuals, solving the climate crisis, pollution epidemic, and species extinction is not on us. These are huge issues that can only be addressed politically by voting in candidates that understand the importance of taking on these issues and regulating big businesses and shifting our economy to renewable energy and a circular model. But it still feels good to reduce your impact 😊]
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Happy Earth Day! 🌎
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