At least the British 'summer' has a defence

What's the environmental impact of a sky lantern? - Hefty, I'd say

"There is also the danger that if they come down alight they could start a fire..

Obvious now, but never having seen one I hadn't realised they actually had naked flames.

That would really make them little better than 'ethically-sourced', unguided airborne incendiary devices, like those Japanese balloon bombs targetting the US via the jetstream during WW2.

So I do wonder if the biodegradability aspects are the main issue, and frankly why they are allowed. Mind you, every Nov. 5 the UK does seem to put its pyromaniac's hat and mask on.

Love the 'but they are ethically-sourced' counter.