Balloons.... There have been a number of posts....

[Bigmack]

on DU about banning balloons.

Here's an article about how damaging even the rubber balloons - let alone the mylar type - can be.

Yeah, I know... now they're coming after your balloons.

Gaddam right!
- - - - -
http://cawsf.org/Floating_Menace.pdf

Floating Menace

The impacts of latex balloons on wildlife-both terres-
trial and aquatic-appear profound, but fortunately they are also
preventable.

Researchers agree that ingested balloons and balloon frag-
ments can potentially harm any species of wildlife. But bighorn
sheep may be particularly at risk because of the way they eat
and digest food. Bighorn sheep have the same digestive system
as cows, goats, domestic sheep and other cud-chewing animals.
They eat only plants, and have a specialized four-chambered
stomach which extracts nutrients from indigestible plant materi-
als.

....a DFG associate wildlife biologist removed enough balloons from one of the chambers of a bighorn's stomach to fill a plastic bag. Next page: An investigation of
this deceased bighorn sheep showed the animal had swallowed plastic
balloon strings while their other ends remained entangled in the sheep's
mandible and teeth.

...Everyone can enjoy balloons without risk to wildlife by following some
simple suggestions:

• Consider filling balloons with air
instead of helium to reduce the
distance they travel.
• Do not release balloons outdoors.
• Attach weights to balloon strings or
secure them tightly to solid objects.
• Use natural biodegradable, cotton
string to tie balloons.
• Dispose of balloons after the celebra-
tion with a balloon-popping contest.
• Take the initiative and dispose of
balloons that have been discarded in
the environment.
• Some schools and businesses cel-
ebrate by displaying or releasing
scores of balloons. Make an effort to
discourage the practice and suggest
alternative decorations.
• Share this information whenever
possible.