Why are balls bad?
Environmental activists are calling on the public to stop using balloons at large and public events. They believe that the balls are dangerous for the environment: they do not decompose easily, pollute the soil and are dangerous for animals.
“Balloons pollute the natural and urban environment. If the balloons are disposed of incorrectly (compressed with general garbage without access to oxygen), they create even more pollution and contribute to the growth of landfills. Almaty climbers encounter deflated balloons on mountain glaciers and peaks at an altitude of more than 3000- 4000 meters,” emphasized ecologist Svetlana Spatar.
Activists are asking the country’s authorities and big businesses to find an alternative to the balloons. However, they emphasize, this will not affect private holidays. We are talking only about mass events.
And while latex balloons are a more environmentally friendly option than plastic ones, environmentalists say they also have a negative impact on the planet.
“Scientific research proves that even high-quality latex balloons labeled “biodegradable” do not achieve 100 percent decomposition in landfill conditions and require special disposal, which does not yet exist in Kazakhstan. During this process, the balloons can become dangerous for animals, as well as for ecosystems as a whole. Also, their use contradicts the principles of conscious consumption and careful use of the planet’s resources,” the eco-activists emphasize in their statement.
Waste management expert Pakizat Saylaubekova believes that it is important to strive to reduce the eco-footprint in all areas of activity and giving up balls could be one of many such steps.
“We urge event organizers, SMEs and corporate businesses to rethink their choices in favor of more environmentally friendly alternatives that do not pose a threat to the environment. We have a depressing environmental situation, it is important to reduce the environmental footprint in all areas of life and refuse disposable items. We have repeatedly “We have talked and will continue to talk about the importance of observing the principles of sustainable development, as well as preserving biodiversity for future generations. Our children and grandchildren should live in this city, in this country, on this planet,” she said.
Now, environmentalists, according to them, are negotiating with business representatives, including large event agencies, who are inclined to abandon the use of balloons in favor of alternative and more environmentally friendly options for decorating large events and holidays (for example, decorations from paper).
A blow to business and positive emotions
The art director of an Almaty restaurant, Max Pakhomov, is perplexed as to why environmentalists didn’t like balloons when there are so many, in his opinion, much more serious environmental problems in Kazakhstan.
“There are many more important issues. Such as, say, recycling of batteries. I searched and with great difficulty found only two places in Almaty where you can take used power banks for recycling,” he said in an interview with Tengrinews.kz. “It would be better if they took up this. Or they would go to rallies for clean air.”
According to Max Pakhomov, there is no complete ban on balloons in any country in the world. Although, in his opinion, a ban on launching helium-filled balloons into the sky could be logical from the point of view of environmental protection.
The art director organizes holidays and is confident that the balloons help create a festive atmosphere. We have been accustomed to this since childhood, he emphasized.
Max Pakhomov is also concerned that the ongoing campaign will have a negative impact on entrepreneurs whose business is related to balloons.
“We have many salons that deal with balloon decoration. They are very creative guys who provide their services at a high-quality level,” he said.
