With fireworks season well underway, we looked into the environmental impact of these sparkling wonders and how to ensure your display won’t damage the planet.
As the 5th November draws closer, the first things that come to mind are crisp autumn evenings, sticky toffee apples and, of course, the ‘Remember remember’ rhyme. What we often forget however, is the relationship between bonfire night and the planet. The real effects of our favourite autumnal event can sometimes be drowned out behind the bright bursts of colour, crackles and pops, but this year, Sainsbury’s decision to stop selling fireworks has brought the question back into conversation. So, when the smoke clears, what are the long-term social and environmental consequences of this oh-so-pretty pollutant?
Whole boxes of brightly coloured fireworks may seem to just disappear with a puff of smoke and a shower of sparks, but we’ve all found those tell-tale cardboard tubes and plastic fragments on the days after bonfire night. This waste contains traces of toxic chemicals, which can cause harm to local wildlife if found by animals. As firework waste can’t be recycled, it also often contaminates other recyclable goods when thrown away in the wrong place. If you are hosting a display at home, Recycling Bins UK suggests soaking the debris for 15 to 20 minutes before disposing of it to remove all chemicals, before discarding it with your general waste.
Aside from the physical remains left behind, the statistics also have it that particle pollution in the air reached a 10 in some UK cities on bonfire night in 2018. This marks the highest level on the air pollution scale, and around 5 -14% of UK dioxin emissions is thought to be produced around bonfire night. The real issue, however, is the particles that are causing the pollution themselves. London Air explains that when fireworks explode, they release tiny pieces of toxic metals into the air such as the copper and barium that are used for colour, as well as the titanium and antimony used to create crackles and sparkles.