If you're having a party or holding an event, think twice about including balloons.

We understand that balloons can be fun and festive, but they're also a risk to the environment. A CSIRO study found that balloons are in the top three most harmful pollutants threatening marine wildlife – along with plastic bags and bottles.

Even balloons that are biodegradable can cause litter before they break down.

Under our Single Use Plastics policy PDF, 52.19 KB, we don't use balloons at Council-organised events, and we encourage other event organisers to do the same.

It's also illegal to release 20 or more gas-filled balloons under the Protection of the Environment Operations Amendment (Balloons) Act 2000.

Some more environmentally-friendly decorations you might consider instead of balloons include:

• Bubbles.
• Flags, banners, bunting, kites, pom-poms or streamers.
• Dancing inflatables.
• Candles or LED candles. Make sure any 'real' candles or are properly supervised, and don't use them if there is a fire ban in place.
• Natural items like flowers or decorated rocks.

Whatever you use to make your party or event festive, make sure it doesn't end up as litter!