Photo of fireworks in the dark sky

“We are the fireworks in this velvet dark, the ablaze that dares to light up the night” – Angela Abraham 

Such a spectacular view isn’t it? Vibrant colors exploding, illuminating the otherwise dark sky. Though fireworks are not very common, they are not rare either. Fireworks are normally displayed during festive or celebratory occasions to commemorate those occasions. It brightens up the sky and fills the atmosphere with joy. However, this comes with a cost. The large display of fireworks is causing the air we breathe to be polluted. 

Although fireworks are only displayed for a short period of time, the damage they induce is extensive. When released, they generate metal particles, dangerous toxins, harmful chemicals, and smoke in the atmosphere for hours and days (Terrapass, N.D). Some chemicals as we know are unable to decompose and will persist in the atmosphere. When exposed to these particles, it will lead to some negative health impacts such as coughing and asthma etc. When the particles fall through the atmosphere and land on a surface, it can potentially pollute our water and soil.

So what’s inside a firework that makes it bad for the environment and our health? According to Antonis (N.D), fireworks are made of gunpowder and small globes of explosive materials called stars. The stars contain 4 components: an oxidizing agent, a fuel, a metal-containing colorant, and a binder. 

Oxidizing agents are solids or liquids that give off oxygen. They are used to create or cause combustion of other material. Oxidizing agents can be toxic and corrosive. When exposed, it can cause damage to the human body. Furthermore, when it enters the earth’s systems, it causes redox reactions and is accountable for other pollution. 

Metal-containing colorants are used to display the multiple colors of the fireworks. Metals do not degrade, are generally toxic, and can be transformed into more toxic forms and bioaccumulate. The metals can be transported across different environments, polluting them (example: soil and water systems) and causing a variety of public health risks. 

Here are 3 eco-friendly alternatives to fireworks without sacrificing the fun and joy!
Firstly, instead of displaying fireworks, have a laser show instead. Laser lights can be used repeatedly and it gives the same effects as a fireworks does – the bright colors in the dark sky. However, one down factor would be that electricity (which can lead to light pollution as well) is needed to support this show. 

Next, create a firecracker pinata. Pinata are normally made of recyclable materials and it engages the audience as well. The user is able to get creative with making the pinata and play with it after the product is done. Sweets and chocolates can be added together with colorful recyclable papers to make it more special. 

The third alternative would be upcycling an old mason jar into fireworks in a jar. This is another way to get creative with the users and allows parents/ teachers to educate their children/students about the impacts fireworks bring about in the environment. 

Photo of fireworks in a jar

In summary, fireworks give us a spectacular view yet at the same time, within that short amount of time, it can pollute the air we breathe, causing harm to human health and our surrounding environment leading to more pollution. Though we do not have the authority to launch any fireworks (in Singapore) but let us all be reminded that displaying fireworks is certainly a nice way to celebrate certain occasions but it comes at the cost of our health and the environment’s health. Singapore certainly does not display fireworks frequently but the amount it releases is still substantial and thus I hope that the government will think of other greener options to celebrate festive events without the use of fireworks. Or maybe find cleaner ingredients to make the fireworks which will reduce the amount of emission. 

Your environmental buddy,
Jeanice

References: 

Antonis. K De (2010). Fireworks

Canada Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. (2002). Oxidizing liquids & solids – Hazards. Retrieved from: https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/chemicals/oxidizing/oxiziding_hazards.html

Danya. (2015). Fireworks in Oil & Water | Density Science Project for Kids [Online Image]. Retrieved from: https://gosciencekids.com/fireworks-science-kids-oil-water-density/

Lam, Esther.  (2020). 10 locations where you can catch NDP 2020 firework display on 9 Aug [Online image]. Retrieved from: https://www.youth.gov.sg/Peek-Show/2020/8/10-locations-where-you-can-catch-NDP-2020-fireworks-display-on-Aug-9

Terrapass. (N.D.). Fireworks: Their impact on the environment. Retrieved from: https://www.terrapass.com/fireworks-impact-environment#:~:text=Fireworks%20cause%20extensive%20air%20pollution,they%20come%20into%20contact%20with.

Spring power and gas. (2020). 6 Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Fireworks. Retrieved from: https://springpowerandgas.us/6-eco-friendly-alternatives-to-fireworks/