Fireworks have delighted people all over the planet for centuries. And for that long they have also impacted the environment:
Injuring and killing people and non-human animals in accidents.
Causing fires.
Producing smoke and dust containing metal particles and toxic chemicals that pollute not just the air, but also soils and water.
Frightening wildlife, domestic animals, and also people.
Contributing to the destruction of ecosystems through the extraction of the minerals that are needed to manufacture them.
And now, creating plastic litter that is nearly impossible to remove.
All that impact for just a few minutes of human fun. It’s time we find more respectful ways to celebrate our traditions.
So, what can you do?
Don’t attend fireworks displays – create your own alternative ways to celebrate.
Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper explaining why fireworks are a bad idea.
Work with your local or state government to get a ban on fireworks.
Spread the word about the awful unintended consequences of fireworks.
