RESPONSIBILITY
​
100% LATEX RUBBER
Balloon Moon products are 100% latex produced from the milky sap of the rubber tree, Hevea Brasilliensis. The rubber tree originated in the tropical forests of South America and was taken to Europe from Brazil. It is now grown on plantations in many tropical countries. The latex is collected in cups, as it drips from the harmless cuts within the bark. The process is much like that used tom collect maple syrup. The use of latex balloons and other products, such as surgical gloves, make rubber trees economically valuable, which discourages people from cutting them down.
​
100% BIODEGRADABLE
Latex is a 100% natural substance that breaks down both in sunlight and water. The degradation process begins almost immediately. Oxidation, the 'frosting' that makes latex balloons look as if they are losing their colour, is one of the first signs of the process. Exposure to sunlight quickens the process, but natural micro-organisms attack the rubber even in the dark. Research shows that under similar environmental conditions, latex balloons will biodegrade at about the same rate as a leaf from an oak tree.
​
BALLOONS THAT FLY AWAY
Research shows that most latex balloons rise to an altitude of about 8kms, where they freeze, breaking into spaghetti-like pieces that scatter as they fall to earth and decompose. If an animal was to eat any of these soft slivers of latex, the pieces ultimately pass through the digestive system, without harm to the animal. We ask however, that you dispose of your balloon with sensitivity.
​
BALLOON LITTER
Latex balloons themselves create very little if any, due to their biodegradable nature. However, we at Balloon Moon do ask that you dispose of your balloons properly - via your weekly recycling. The weights that we use at Balloon Moon to keep them from floating away, are stones - sourced from our local river. The ribbons that we provide are raffia, paper or cotton whenever possible - all natural fires - that like our balloons, are biodegradable.
​
HELIUM
Helium is the second most abundant element in the known universe, after hydrogen. Helium is formed on the Earth by natural radioactive decay of heavier elements. Most of this helium migrates to the surface and enters the atmosphere. Helium's, low molecular weight allows it to escape to space at the same rate of its formation.
​
There has been much discussion in regards to the sustainability of Helium - is it running out? As Helium is produced by natural radioactive decay - which is an extremely slow process - in practical terms, Helium is considered to be sustainable.
https://www.quora.com/Is-helium-gas-sustainable-Why-why-not
At Balloon Moon, our Helium is is sourced from a plant in Darwin, Australia. It is the only such plant in the south pacific, and produces about 3% of the worlds Helium which is enough for the south pacific to be self-sufficient.
​