The release of the balloons may seem like a moment full of magic and fun, but did you know that it can hide disastrous consequences for the environment? This is what Génesis Nieves, co-founder of Decoraciones Globos, exposes, a successful balloon art company that has the largest number of followers on social platforms worldwide; and leader of DecoLovers Institute, a study center approved and certified by the Florida Department of Education, which offers the only diploma in Professional Balloon Designer (Professional Balloon Art Designer), which is awarded in the state.
“In the last 25 years, coastal cleanups in more than 150 countries have registered more than 1.2 million balloons accumulated on the coasts, according to reports from the Ocean Conservancy, and professionals in this area know that this number is growing by leaps and bounds. In addition, scientific journals such as Nature report that 43% of seabird deaths are related to plastic ingestion due to balloons. This shows us that alerting those who produce and consume our services is an urgent task”, warned the businesswoman who raises awareness as influencers and educator on light plastic pollution in the ocean.
“The situation of our oceans is dramatic, and the saddest thing is that it not only affects the animals that inhabit the sea, but also the birds that are particularly vulnerable to contamination with balloons, since they can mistake floating garbage for food”, said Génesis Nieves about a growing problem in which it is predicted that by the year 2050, 99% of all seabird species will ingest debris of some kind.
Biodegradable balloons?
Génesis Nieves is a Venezuelan entrepreneur and content creator who, together with her sister and partner, Iravid Nieves, impacts her community by providing economic dynamism, educating, and above all, becoming an agent of change, work that she does by educating, informing, and inspiring artists and balloon lovers from a dozen countries.
“As co-founder and teacher of DecoLovers Institute, I have verified that formal and academic education is essential for the development of our career as professionals in the field of balloon art, and in our training as responsible entrepreneurs. That is why my mission is not only that my students can learn about the materials and techniques that provide quality to their artistic creations, but also that they can be trained and commit to sustainability”, said Génesis Nieves.
“In Florida we have seen cases that have been sanctioned as felonies for balloon contamination. In May 2022, for example, two people faced criminal charges for releasing balloons into Biscayne Bay. In this regard, it is important to note that inappropriately releasing or reducing balloons is a third degree felony punishable by a fine of up to $50,000 or imprisonment for up to 5 years, or both. And the bail can be up to $5,000,” he added.
Balloons don’t go to heaven:
It may be romantic to think that all balloons go to heaven, but Génesis Nieves says that they don’t. “Marine animals often mistake uninflated non-biodegradable balloons for jellyfish. Turtles also eat them. And seabirds even feed it to their young,” she said.
It should be noted that the massive launches of balloons that used to take place at sporting events and celebrations have been declared illegal in many cities of the country. This is the reason why businessmen like Génesis Nieves promote the use of biodegradable materials that decompose through natural means and that, in a way, are not harmful to the environment.
“My advice is to bet on biodegradable products for outdoor events, and not on latex or aluminum balloons. There are many options on the market and if you have questions you can contact us through our email account. instagram to guide them for free. Mounting and dismounting balloon arrangements is part of the work of the companies that provide these services, and in this sense, consumers must work with them responsibly to reduce said works of art,” concluded Génesis Nieves, who, in addition to professionalizing the art with balloons, received with her sister a Guinness record, in the year 2020for the world’s largest prayer created with balloons with a total of 7,236 balloons.
