Unveiling the Unseen Expenses of Fireworks and Alternatives to Consider
In an effort to conserve wildlife and reduce environmental impact, several eco-friendly firework alternatives have emerged as viable options for celebrations. These alternatives offer benefits for both wildlife conservation and human safety.
The Fourth of July in Boulder, Colorado, saw a shift from traditional fireworks to a drone display, aiming to minimise noise pollution and litter. Similarly, Sydney, Australia has experimented with low-noise pyrotechnics and projections for New Year's Eve celebrations.
One of the key advantages of these eco-friendly options is the use of silent or low-noise fireworks. These innovative products produce light and colour effects without the loud bangs that can startle and harm wildlife. Examples include the Fireworks Shop's products with no bangs, designed with pets and wildlife sensitivity in mind.
Biodegradable sky lanterns, made from sustainable bamboo and non-toxic, biodegradable materials, are another alternative. These lanterns reduce non-degradable waste that often falls into natural habitats. MK Fireworks King offers eco-friendly lanterns that are also odour-free, minimising air pollution and risks to animals.
Eco-friendly sparklers, made from 100% renewable, natural resources, are a safer alternative to traditional sparklers. These burn cleanly without toxic residues, making them a suitable choice for both indoor and outdoor use.
Modern alternatives such as drone light shows and laser displays are gaining popularity. These produce stunning visual effects without noise or chemical residues. Cities like Boulder, Colorado, and events like the 2024 Paris Olympics have adopted these alternatives to prevent disruption to birds and terrestrial wildlife caused by traditional fireworks' loud noises and pollution.
Other creative options include giant bubbles and biodegradable glow sticks, providing fun, non-polluting celebration methods that do not disturb animals or contribute to litter.
Choosing these alternatives supports sustainable celebrations that are both enjoyable and considerate of environmental and wildlife welfare. Benefits for wildlife conservation include reduced noise pollution, lower chemical and physical pollution, minimised air and water contamination, and improved coexistence between communities and wildlife.
By opting for eco-friendly firework alternatives, we can ensure our celebrations do not come at the expense of our animal friends. Proper disposal of firework debris is crucial to protect wildlife, and attending public firework displays instead of setting off your own can help prevent damage to nearby wildlife and land.
For pet owners, creating a safe space for pets during firework displays can help reduce their fear and distress. Staying close to pets during firework displays can help reassure them and make them feel secure. Proper identification of pets, including microchip and ID collar with up-to-date contact information, is crucial in case they escape. Gradually introducing pets to loud sounds in a controlled environment can help acclimate them to such events.
The blog was written by Defenders of Wildlife Communications Intern, Hannah Schwartzberg.
[1] Fireworks Shop. (n.d.). No Bangs Fireworks. Retrieved from https://www.fireworkshop.co.uk/no-bangs-fireworks [2] MK Fireworks King. (n.d.). Eco-Friendly Sky Lanterns. Retrieved from https://www.mkfireworksking.com/products/sky-lanterns [3] Eco-Friendly Sparklers. (n.d.). Biodegradable Sparklers. Retrieved from https://www.ecofriendlysparklers.com/ [4] Drone Light Shows. (n.d.). Drones for Firework Displays. Retrieved from https://dronelightshows.com/firework-displays/
Science plays a crucial role in the development of eco-friendly firework alternatives, such as the Fireworks Shop's silent fireworks or biodegradable sky lanterns from MK Fireworks King, aiming to mitigate the impact on both wildlife and the environment. Meanwhile, the growing popularity of modern alternatives like drone light shows and laser displays in events like the 2024 Paris Olympics, as well as creative options like giant bubbles and biodegradable glow sticks, demonstrate a shift towards sustainable sports and celebrations, ensuring that our enjoyment doesn't come at the expense of the environment or wildlife.
