Eco-Friendly Fourth of July Fireworks

Is it your goal to set off fireworks for your friends, family and neighbors every Fourth of July? If it is, you’re not alone. For many, Fourth of July celebrations would not be traditional without the colorful booms and crackles in the sky. While it’s an entertaining show of lights, it’s not the most eco-friendly way to celebrate this holiday.

Several toxic ingredients make fireworks colorful and sparkly. In the 1990s, arsenic was still used in “snakes” until it was later banned in the United States. Since then the firework industry has come along way, but many formulations are nowhere near being eco-friendly.

Potassium perchlorate is a main ingredient, which easily contaminates soil, air and water. In addition, this particular chemical has a reputation for damaging the thyroid gland. Fireworks also contain heavy metals such as copper and barium. These chemically loaded firecrackers may be entertaining to us, but they cause light and air pollution for the living organisms around us.

You can still have Fourth of July decorations without the harmful effects, but you need to be conscious of which fireworks you purchase. Fireworks made from nitrogen-rich materials and nitrocellulose are less toxic and smoky. The Walt Disney Co. developed “air launch” technology, which replaces gunpowder with compressed air. Modern designs such as this significantly decrease firework pollution.

Because some fireworks are categorized as explosives, it’s almost impossible to effectively recycle them. However, when you have firework waste, you still need to contact your local city council or city hall to find out how to properly dispose of them in your area. Until fireworks become less harmful to the environment, you can make a difference by minimizing your use and reducing the pollution.

Plan to have your fireworks display in one area of your yard. This will make the clean up easier, because the litter will be isolated. Also, make sure you clean up the mess as soon as the show is over. This will reduce the amount of chemical dust and ash that gets blown or washed away. Lastly, you can enjoy a local firework show instead of hosting your own. Having one less shown is an easy way to reduce pollution.

Fireworks have evolved, and their designs are more spectacular to watch. Instead of swearing off these light shows, choose less harmful fireworks or settle for your local firework display.