Severna Park Library Partners With Business Owner To Launch Balloon Recycling Initiative

A new program at the Severna Park Library is ballooning in interest.

Since Wonderwall Event Co. founder Jen Whitlock visited the library in December to highlight the Balloon Mission: Planet Possible program, families have shown an increased interest in sustainability.

As Whitlock explained, Balloon Mission is more than a craft program; it marks a first-of-its-kind community partnership in Severna Park and in all of Maryland. The library is hosting a permanent “pop and drop” recycling box inside its location, allowing families and event hosts to responsibly dispose of used balloons rather than sending them to the landfill.

“As a balloon artist, I felt a responsibility to do better once I understood the environmental impact,” Whitlock said. “Partnering with the Severna Park Library allowed me to share what I’ve learned and show that celebrations and sustainability don’t have to be at odds. What’s been most encouraging is seeing the community respond — over 230 balloons were collected through the Balloon Mission pop and drop box in just 25 days. It shows that when people are given an easy way to do the right thing, they want to participate.”

The Severna Park Library is the only Balloon Mission partner within at least 100 miles of Anne Arundel County. Based in Annapolis, Wonderwall Event Co. sends all collected and popped balloons to TerraCycle, which manually separates latex and foil balloons before shredding the materials. After being consolidated with similar materials, the foil and latex pieces are shredded and reduced into small flakes so they can make new products including industrial drainage pieces, storage boxes and playground flooring.

With Valentine’s Day approaching, Whitlock hopes for more donations. She has full support from the library, whose staff appreciates the hands-on, family-focused program.

"We were delighted to have Jen’s balloon program at the Severna Park Library!” said librarian Sarah Joseph, who works at the local branch on McKinsey Road. “Her engaging presentation taught our community how to protect the environment from balloon waste while shining a spotlight on the inspiring work of Balloon Mission.”

This new effort is an encouraging reminder that progress can start with small actions.

“The program is part education, part environmental action, and part creativity, showing families that eco-conscious choices don’t have to come at the expense of fun or celebration,” Whitlock said.