It was another major victor for the environment Friday as Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone signed legislation to ban the intentional release of balloons.
Bellone joined with Legislator Sarah Anker and environmental organizations to sign the legislation designed to protect the environment and marine life.
Latex and Mylar balloons are the most common form of floating garbage within 200 miles of American shorelines and the second most dangerous debris item, as balloons are frequently mistaken by sea life as food, a release from Bellone said.
“This means people are aware and will become aware of the dangers of latex and Mylar balloons,” said Susan McGraw Keber, East Hampton Town Trustee. “Our beautiful marine animals and birds may have a reprieve from the ever present balloons that can prove fatal; our beaches may now be cleaner; and our waterways perhaps less filled with these single use products that are non-biodegradable.