The Co-op Food Stores of New Hampshire and Vermont

Rethinking Helium Balloons

by Amanda Charland
Sustainability Coordinator

Summer is a time for sun-drenched barbeques, for swimming pool birthday parties, and for backyard graduations—a time of celebration. Preparing for these warm-weather festivities means sending out invitations, making delicious food, and, of course, decorating. And what better way to make outdoor summer celebrations livelier than with balloons? These colorful and whimsical decorations pop up everywhere in the summer.

Although balloons can be a fun way to celebrate, there’s also a more serious side to them. Both balloons and the helium that fills them can have severe environmental impacts.

Helium Supply and Demand

Most of us learn in grade school that helium is one of the most abundant elements in the known universe. However, on this planet it is actually a finite resource. Because supplies are limited, concern has been increasing that within the next few decades we could deplete reserves. This means a lot more than simply a balloon-free world.   Read more »