It’s almost the end of the year. Time to celebrate the end of the old year and the beginning of a new one. In many countries traditionally using fireworks is the way to celebrate that the New Year has started.

Fireworks and Air Pollution: Blackpowder (Gunpowder)
In order for fireworks to shoot up into the air and explode, a host of pyrotechnic chemicals are used, including the charcoal and calcium and sulfur compounds that comprise blackpowder (gunpowder). When fireworks are set off, these chemicals react to ignite and propel the explosives and then account for the bulk of the smoky, dusty mess that hangs in the air long after the luminary effects have faded. All one has to do is look at (and smell) the giant mass of particulate matter concentrated in the air after a large display to understand the extent to which fireworks and air pollution are synonymous.

The chemicals and heavy metals used in fireworks take their toll on the environment, sometimes contributing to water supply contamination and even acid rain. Fireworks Add to Worldwide Pollution.

Best wishes
Another tradition is to make best wishes for the New Year. When you do so, please make your wish for the New Year one about starting your contribution to a better planet. For instance start by buying fewer (or better none at all) fireworks the next time you want to celebrate.

The GNOMEDIARIES team wishes all our website visitors all the best for the coming New Year and hope you will make it an environmental friendly year.

Kind regards.

The GnomeDiaries Team.

Source photograph: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1104715