*the red balloon*
We went shopping at Trader Joes this week. I was happy to see that much of their produce is now from the USA. (Read more about this issue on The Daily Green.) As we were checking out, the nice guy at the register asked me if my little girl would like a balloon. "Oh no," I said, "Balloons are very bad." 
(image found on holycow blog)
I explained about the fact that because balloons do not biodegrade, the rubber ends up in waterways and landfills, or trapped in trees. Birds and fish and other wildlife eat the rubber to their demise. (Read more about it in this BBC article.)
(film still from Le Balon Rouge, director, Albert Lamorisse, 1957)
"Wow, I din't know that," he said. "Well, how about a sticker." Which Sydney promptly put in her mouth. So, instead of balloons, think about using could re-useable paper lanterns, or these eco-paper balloons from
the SHOW Corporation.... 
"Le Balon Rouge" is a beautiful, ever So classic and poetic French movie that everyone should see! Albert Laborisse had his son play the part of this Little boy chasing his "non eco friendly" Balloon. This is definitely going to be a very difficult habit to break.
Posted by: olivier lalin | May 02, 2008 at 03:07 AM
Wow the paper balloons look cool!
I love your fresh new look by the way!
Posted by: Polka Dot Bride | May 05, 2008 at 05:51 AM
I love your blog. The photos and posts are beautiful and also meaningful. I am a big supporter of weddings not having to be the over the top, typical genre complete with wasteful, tasteless and useless traditions. It is time to reevaluate and promote some other more meaningful options and make our own traditions. Cool.
Posted by: Judi | May 05, 2008 at 05:20 PM
really lovely!
Posted by: mosey handmade | May 17, 2008 at 08:41 AM
As someone who values original weddings, that make personal statements--I create custom, nondenominational ceremonies-- I loved your site. Eco-friendly weddings.. start off with good karma! Yes.
Posted by: Reverend R. M. Peluso | May 17, 2008 at 01:45 PM
hello there, balloons can be eco-friendly! www.ecomyparty.co.uk sell fairly-traded and fsc certified natural latex balloons which totally biodegrade in weeks, at about the same rate as an oak leaf. The whole chain of production and sale of these balloons is totally ethical and they won't stick around for years after your celebration is over. Use natural biodegradable string or ties and don't release them (to prevent any danger to animals and birds). Helen xx
Posted by: Helen Pope | June 16, 2008 at 04:11 PM
those are great!!!
Posted by: nosheen | September 05, 2008 at 06:16 PM