KATHLEEN CORBIN

Hint: Blowing stuff up is never good for the environment!

Setting off fireworks has been a beloved tradition dating back over 200 years. However, it is long past time that it be replaced with a celebration much more environmentally friendly. Fireworks are certainly very pretty when they light up the night sky but the impacts on our fragile environment are not worth the short-lived awesome display of color. Let’s think about what actually happens when we set off fireworks.

1. Noise Pollution. If the sounds of the explosions are loud for humans (and they are) just imagine how it sounds to wildlife, pets, and other domesticated animals that have much more acute hearing than humans. The noise is frightening and disorienting to animals.
   
2. Air Pollution. Fireworks are created by pyrotechnicians who mix gunpowder with all manner of other harmful chemicals to create the patterns and colors. When the fireworks explode, a chemical reaction is created which results in the beautiful exhibit of color in the sky. Some of these chemicals include potassium nitrate, charcoal, sulphur, strontium, sodium, barium, copper, aluminum, manganese. The haze created by the fireworks explosions are TOXIC. We breathe the toxic air and the substances contaminate our soil and our water.
   
3. Litter. After a fireworks display, there is a multitude of debris such as shells and heavy metals littering the area on both land and in water. Studies have also shown huge increases in the amount of micro plastics contaminating the soil and water after a fireworks display.
   
4. Fire hazard. With hotter and drier climates, the chances of setting off uncontrollable wildfires are a distinct possibility.
   
5. Animal Abuse. And most importantly, our innocent animals are the ones who suffer the most. To animals, fireworks sound like bombs. Birds and other wildlife are just as frightened of fireworks as cats and dogs. Results can be fatal. Animals don’t understand the bright lights and explosions. Spooked horses run through fences, birds flee so far they get lost and disoriented, animal parents leave their nests and their babies die.

So what can we do? The easiest solution is to take personal responsibility and stop setting off home fireworks. In addition to that, we should not support fireworks displays put on by local governments and businesses. We need to speak up for the environment and for other species who cannot speak up for themselves. Demand alternatives that are quiet and respectful to wildlife, protective of our environment, and don’t pollute our air and water.

If this means no more fireworks…..so be it! Maybe technology will come up with a safe alternative. Drones anyone?