How Balloon Recycling Can Win You More Clients
"Aren't balloons bad for the environment?" If you've been in this industry longer than five minutes, someone has asked you that. And if you're like me, your first instinct was to launch into a speech about latex and biodegrading... but now there's a better response, and it's balloon recycling.
In episode 441, I sat down with Jen of Wonderwall Event Co. in Maryland, and she completely flipped how I think about this conversation. Jen isn't arguing about science. She's recycling her balloons and turning it into one of the strongest selling points in her business!
Why This Matters Right Now
Venues, universities and corporations keep adding sustainability rules. Some companies have waste targets they're required to hit. We've already watched big retailers walk away from balloons, and that cost some decorators a lot of business. Getting ahead of this isn't just about feeling good; it's about protecting your client list, too.
Stop Arguing and Start Recycling
I've always felt we have a narrative problem in this industry. The minute you get into a debate about whether balloons break down, you've already lost. Jen skips that fight entirely because she sends her popped balloons to TerraCycle to be recycled. That's a story people can actually grab onto.
The Library Pop and Drop Box
This was my favorite part. Since Jen doesn't have a storefront, she campaigned to get a pop and drop box into her local library. Community members drop off their popped balloons and she collects them.
Why I love this:
- It's branded, so it's basically free advertising
- She adds a foil balloon sign before big balloon holidays like Valentine's Day
- It builds real goodwill in her community
- No shop required
Libraries already collect things like old glasses and cell phones, so a balloon box fits right in.
Make It Easy for Corporate Clients
For clients who care about sustainability, Jen leaves a prepaid return mailer through Pirate Ship after an installation. They pop the balloons, stuff the mailer and drop it in their outgoing mail. If it never gets used, the postage is credited back to her account.
And it's paying off. A large corporate client about 50 miles away reached out specifically because of her sustainability focus... even with plenty of decorators closer to them. They have recycling goals to meet, and Jen helps them check that box.
Put It in Your Marketing
Jen leads with this everywhere: her website, proposals, Google Business Profile posts, Instagram and local community groups. In fact, her sustainability page is one of the most visited on her site, and it's where visitors stay the longest.
She also suggests writing a press release once you start recycling! Send it to local news outlets because it's unique, and unique gets attention.
You Don't Have to Go All In
All-or-nothing thinking stops me before I start more often than I'd like to admit. You don't have to recycle every balloon tomorrow. My step one? Asking my library about a box.
Listen to the full conversation with Jen here!
