‘Tis the season to congratulate all of our graduates and to remind the rest of us to avoid celebrating with Mylar balloons.
“These shiny party favorites can knock out power when they hit electrical lines, costing millions and cutting electricity to thousands across the state,” the City of Alameda posted on Facebook.
The City noted in its post that California has had rules about Mylar balloons since 1990: “Under SB 1990, any helium-filled foil balloon must be weighted down, labeled with a safety warning, and free from metallic strings.” AB 2450 (2018) has focused on better warnings, the City added, “but the core law from 1990 still stands today.”
So, what’s the best way to celebrate graduates without Mylar balloons? The City suggests using biodegradable and customizable latex balloons or reusable foil balloons filled with air instead of helium. Also think about alternatives to balloons, such as paper decorations, pom-poms, and streamers, or fabric garlands and flower walls. Get creative!
And when it comes to balloons (which it usually does), the City asks all of us to party smart:
- Weigh it.
- Warn about it.
- Never let it fly away.
The Alameda Post congratulates all of our Alameda graduates!
