Fireworks have long been associated with celebrations worldwide, but their environmental impact is severe. Traditional fireworks produce high levels of pollution, release toxic chemicals, and create noise pollution, affecting human health and the environment. Green crackers, however, offer a more sustainable alternative. But what exactly are green crackers, and how do they help reduce pollution?
What Are Green Crackers?
Green crackers, or eco-friendly crackers, reduce environmental impact by releasing fewer toxic substances into the air. These eco-friendly fireworks contain fewer harmful chemicals and produce minimal emissions and noise. Unlike traditional fireworks, which often emit sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide, and particulate matter, these are designed to cut pollution by 30-35%.
Developed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) in India, green crackers use alternative chemical formulations that help keep the air cleaner while still providing a festive experience.
Why Green Crackers Are Important for a Sustainable Future
Green crackers play a vital role in promoting a sustainable future by reducing the harmful environmental impact associated with traditional fireworks. Conventional fireworks release large amounts of toxic gases and fine particulate matter. In contrast, green crackers produce significantly fewer emissions, making them a cleaner choice. This reduction in pollutants helps to keep the air cleaner, especially during peak times when air quality often worsens.
Additionally, it addresses the issue of noise pollution by maintaining sound levels within safe limits. Traditional fireworks can produce excessive noise that disturbs humans, animals, and even local ecosystems. Green crackers, with their lower noise output, help reduce these disruptions, creating a safer, more considerate celebration experience for all.
How Green Crackers Are Different From Traditional Crackers
1. Reduced Chemical Emissions
Traditional crackers contain chemicals like sulfur, nitrates, aluminum, and heavy metals, which release toxic gases and fine particulate matter into the air. Green crackers, however, use alternative chemicals and safer compounds that emit fewer harmful gases, reducing pollution by up to 30-35%.
2. Lower Smoke Production
Traditional fireworks generate thick smoke from heavy metals and other chemicals. Eco-friendly crackers release water vapor, reducing smoke and particulate matter to improve air quality.
3. Controlled Noise Levels
Noise pollution is a major concern with traditional crackers, often exceeding safe sound limits and disturbing both humans and animals. Green crackers are designed to emit sounds within a safe decibel range, usually below 125 decibels, which significantly reduces noise pollution.
4. Cleaner Burn with Minimal Residue
Traditional fireworks leave behind a considerable amount of ash, debris, and chemical residue, contaminating soil and water sources. Eco-friendly crackers burn cleaner and produce minimal residue, reducing waste and the risk of environmental contamination.
5. Certifications and QR Codes
Green crackers carry certifications and, in some cases, QR codes from authorized bodies like the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI). These codes and labels help consumers verify that the crackers are genuine and meet established environmental standards, a feature not available with traditional crackers.
Types of Green Crackers
SWAS (Safe Water Releaser): These crackers release water vapor into the air when ignited, which helps in reducing the amount of dust and particulate matter in the atmosphere. This water vapor acts as a suppressant for airborne particles, limiting pollution and improving air quality during celebrations.
SAFAL (Safe Minimal Aluminum): SAFAL crackers use less aluminum powder than traditional firecrackers. Fireworks commonly use aluminum to create bright, intense sparks, but it also releases harmful emissions.
STAR (Safe Thermite Cracker): STAR crackers use fewer chemicals compared to conventional fireworks. These crackers use a carefully controlled mixture of safer chemical compounds to create lower emissions and faster dissipation of smoke.
Why it is Better for the Environment?
Reduced Air Pollution: By containing fewer harmful chemicals, it produces less smoke, which helps improve air quality.
Lower Noise Levels: Green crackers maintain sound within regulated levels, which helps reduce stress on humans and animals.
Quicker Dissipation: Designed to burn for shorter durations, which means pollutants do not linger in the air as long.
Conclusion
Eco-friendly crackers offer a meaningful way to celebrate while protecting the environment. By choosing these eco-friendly options, we reduce air and noise pollution, safeguard public health, and support a cleaner planet. Each time we opt for it, we’re making a conscious choice that contributes to a sustainable future. As awareness of environmental issues grows, adopting green crackers is a simple yet powerful step toward responsible celebrations that respect both people and nature.
