How balloon releases affect the environment

Do you have any idea how far a balloon can go? Well, it's pretty darn far, but the real issue is how bad balloon releases are for the environment. They're eaten by land and marine animals. Balloons are obviously not meant to be eaten. 

Dan looks into the issues that come from balloon releases and how they stack up in the list of "most littered plastic items."

Send your ideas, comments and questions to dan@wral.com.

Dan Haggerty's In-Depth segments air in WRAL's 7pm newscasts. His stories explore complicated topics in thought-provoking ways. 

Dan would love to hear from you! Send your questions and suggestions to dan@wral.com. 

WRAL-TV is part of Capitol Broadcasting Company. The station is the NBC affiliate in Raleigh, North Carolina.