Smells Like Green Spirit

Although little can feel scarier than a drunk friend shooting off a firework that spins dramatically close to one’s head, what about the more subtle danger of fireworks…the environmental impact?

We can all make an educated guess — they are probably not good for the enviroment. They are smoky! They light up in brilliant colors that suggest they are made from all types of scary, toxic chemicals! They make loud noises that, if you are celebrating the Fourth of July in the ghettoes of west Humboldt Park, Chicago like I was, sound just like the gun shots going off down the street.

Sure, fireworks are probably no good for us, for the little fishies in the sea, or for the birdies and kittens of the world, but just how bad are they? And, since I don’t want to be a big party pooper and yell at my friends to not celebrate the Fourth, what can I do to offset the pollution caused by Fourth of July celebrations?

AIR POLLUTION
Air pollution is the biggest environmental downfall of the Fourth of July. Perhaps you’ve noticed that after a night of setting off fireworks, not only are all the dogs in the neighborhood visibly shaken, but there’s a haze that hangs temporarily in the air.

“The bright colours and effects in fireworks are produced by a cocktail of chemicals. Fireworks emit light, heat and sound energy along with carbon dioxide and other gases and residues. The exact emissions will depend on the firework, but as gunpowder is a main component sulphur compounds are emitted, along with small amounts of particulates, metal oxides and organic compounds (including minute amounts of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, dioxins and furans).” (Taken from Source 2 on list below)

That doesn’t sound very reassuring.

The short term air pollution that results from fireworks can affect anyone with respiratory sensitivity. However, it’s the bonfires that are also burned in the summer months, especially those burning cardboard and wood with paint or chemicals on them that lead to more damage in the air.

After complaints from the neighboring communities of Anaheim, California, Disneyland began to use fireworks that were set off by some sort of an air pressure mechanism. (Source 4) Would it be possible to market fireworks to the public that use air pressure instead of gun powder? I have no idea. But it seems like a good idea!

SOIL AND WATER POLLUTION
Historically, scientists have found that the impact of fireworks in soil and in water is typically negligable. However, the residue of fireworks, if shot over a large body of water is falling right into said body, and the much of the residue that settles from the air is going to be swept into our water systems. AND, many fireworks contain a scary compound known as perchlorate. What the heck is that you ask? Well…

“Fireworks, rocket fuel and most explosives contain a key ingredient called perchlorate. Perchlorate also is found in some kinds of bleach and herbicides. The Environmental Protection Agency lists it as a “contaminant of concern,” because it stays in water for a long time, has been found at high levels in groundwater and has been found to affect thyroid function in fish. That some municipalities have found perchlorate in ground and drinking water throughout the United States has raised questions about fireworks as well as other sources.” (Source 4)

I guess the easy answer would be to purchase fireworks that don’t contain perchlorate, but with many fireworks being manufactured in China where ingredient labels might be nonexistant, and no governmental regulations regarding what goes into fireworks here in the States…what to do?

WHAT WE CAN DO
1. I’ve never actually contacted the government about anything before, except once I called the IRS to see if they’d received my tax return. But doesn’t it seem like it would make sense to push for some type of regulation over the manufacturing, sale, and importation of fireworks that are less harmful than others, as well as the use of air pressure launched fireworks for large public fireworks displays?

Since this blog is about my becoming more green, I’m going to find out how to do something like that, and get back to you, dear reader. If you have any suggestions, please let me know.

2. Since the burning of fossil fuels is some of the worst air polluting that goes on these days, after a few days of shootin off fireworks and burning all types of weird things in a backyard bonfire, it makes sense to, for the next week, not drive a car if you are normally a driver. I don’t have a bike right now, but for the next week, I’m going to walk and take the bus every where to do my part.

3. Donating to or volunteering for a charity that works to offset air and water pollution like…
(Note: I don’t endorse any of these charities, these are just some ideas.)

* GLOBAL GREEN www.globalgreen.org - Created by President Gorbachev, “Global Green USA is a national environmental organization addressing three of the greatest challenges facing humanity:
Stemming global climate change by creating green buildings and cities.
Eliminating weapons of mass destruction that threaten lives and the environment.
Providing clean, safe drinking water for the 2.4 billion people who lack access to clean water.”

*NATIONAL SOCIETY FOR CLEAN AIR AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION - nsca.org.uk
Located in the UK, the NSCA “is the environmental protection charity supported by pollution control professionals. We are working towards better management and reduction of environmental problems through policy development and education.”

*CONSERVATION FUND - www.conservationfund.org
The Conservation Fund “forges partnerships to conserve America’s legacy of land and water resources. Through land acquisition, sustainable programs and leadership training, the Fund and its partners demonstrate balanced conservation solutions that emphasize the integration of economic and environmental goals.”

Source 1: http://www.angelfire.com/co3/NCFS/science/environmentalimpact.html

Source 2: http://www.nsca.org.uk/pages/environment_facts/firework_effects.cfm

Source 3: patent for decreased environ impact http://www.patentstorm.us/patents/5339741.html

Source 4: http://www.sherwoodgazette.com/sustainable/story.php?story_id=118341896338967800

Source 5: perchlorate http://www.sciencedaily.com/upi/index.php?feed=Science&article=UPI-1-20070529-12203800-bc-us-fireworks.xml

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