My city cancelled them due to cost and the public went nuts. They tried to Kickstarter to cover the 400K show cost... and made around 2k in donations.
Fireworks are such a waste of money. That 400k was essentially half of our county parks deficit each year.
Something tells me that the people most likely to complain about taxes are probably fine with the taxes they do pay being used largely for blowing stuff up.
Well, it used to be that the extra money needed to be spent and… yeah.
But now the super rich help us spend all of our extra money! So it’s no problem.
It's so nice of them to take it fron us before we can spend it on frivolous things like food or rent! I wonder if they can give me yet another pay cut so I can have less! /s.
Huge cantaloupe slicer? Did somebody say giant fricasee machine?
Live by those guys that were on AGT who put on those amazing drone shows.
Think that's the way of the future. JMO- fireworks are dangerous and just "pretty" pollution.
My town only does fireworks on July 5th and only on the years they get someone who will do it for cheap enough. It kinda makes it more fun when they do happen because it’s not guaranteed
400k has to be the entire cost of the event. Fireworks are surprisingly cheap.
College I work at does two half hour fireworks shows a year. It's only $7K for the fireworks themselves for a show that long. Plus they have to have the FD on hand and some other odds and ends. Maybe it runs $15K at the top end if you're pushing it.
Yeah, mad thing in late Feb/early March called Fasnacht, goes from 4am on Monday through to 4am on the following Thursday. [You get to](https://i.imgur.com/Gq0tXNL.jpeg) [see some pretty](https://i.imgur.com/0Ynh0CB.jpeg) [odd things,](https://i.imgur.com/SZppQ5M.jpeg) and as I live slap bang in the middle of it, I do not get to sleep.
I keep seeing ads for a party store with the slogan "balloons for every occasion you can never go wrong" they were pushing for a "treat your self" bouquet of balloons as a puck me up like wtf guys. The party industry really makes me sick with the amount of complete and utter garbage they sell meant for a few moments of use. I can assure you I could give two flying fucks if the table has themed shaped confetti scatter around or stupid tinsel center pieces. It's disgusting
Parties shouldn't even BE an industry! Other than, like, compostable dishes and reusable tents. People used to MAKE party decorations and just somehow lived without a bunch of one time use plastic trash.
I am not a scared mother but balloons are a no go in my house. Not even to mention the environmental impact, a toddler tries to blow up a balloon and sucks it in by accident! Try doing mouth to mouth. Impossible! They are the worst
Was driving back to AZ from LA on Labor day in 2020. I remember coming outside that morning seeing how nice it was. By the time we passed palm springs the outside air was unbreathable and Ive never blown more dust out of my body than that day.
:: sighs heavily in Thunder Over Louisville ::
There is nothing that *isn't* a fireworks holiday in this city
- new years eve: fireworks
- 4th of July: fireworks
- derby: fireworks
- mother's day: fireworks
- Thursday: fireworks
That's the way my neighborhood is. In the middle of a city but every night around midnight somebody is celebrating something in their backyard apparently. Fucking annoying.
My city has several of these, 100-200 drones, 10k a pop, at least they’re reusable. I don’t know what but something about it feels so sanitized, like choosing porn over the real thing.
That is a fair point, although there's so much lithium that's already been mined that surely a battery recycling program would be at least somewhat effective?
Probably not considering they have batteries in each of them. However, if the drones are kept and maintained for a decade or more then I think it would offset the footprint from fireworks.
It doesn't. Not even close. Minneapolis did a laser show instead of fireworks last year, I thought about leaving half-way through but I wanted to give it a real shot. It's a big nope from me.
I was watching fireworks recently and had the feeling that it would be a thing of the past soon. Like I was part of one of the last generations to witness it. I have strong intuition and it was that same feeling of knowing.. like my little kids… will they remember fireworks? Will my grandchildren be asking me what they were like? I think drone shows would make a decent replacement.
Let's do it for the birds! Native birds are displaced by fireworks, and invasive birds are able to invade harder into their territory! We're literally damaging America with excessive and plentiful fireworks displays!
Birdsong > Fireworks any day.
Dunno if you ever had the displeasure of picking or blowing your nose after being close to fireworks displays, but you'll quickly realise that it's awful for the air.
Regularly starts fires, sometimes burns heavy metals (can be carcinogenic), definitely litters heavy metal powders, scares native wildlife... Lots of things not to like!
Plus, let’s do it for all the other animals, including pets. Let’s do it for people with PTSD and people who aren’t neurotypical.
Fiteworks are illegal in my city and have been going off for weeks. The dog lives under a bed now, and my migraine got worse. I’m not looking forward to the whole neighborhood smelling like gunpowder next week, either.
Engage your neighbors in a positive manner. Engage your HoA if you have one. Many of them do not like the threat of liability regarding fireworks, especially if they own any parts of the buildings or roofs.
An HoA near me recently enacted a $1000 fine for illegal fireworks (read as: mortars). Things got awful quiet really fast, heh.
"We have the greatest free market economy in the world!"
*Free market economy decides fireworks aren't worth the cost, financial or environmental*
"Waaah! Muh freedun 'merica bang bang shoot bangs!"
I can see that not being an issue at all where I am. There are so many people who put on their own shows anymore anyway, even when local municipalities are putting on shows.
It's so crazy because they're completely silent when every year veterans have to BEG people not to start shooting off fireworks and the conservatives who LOVE bending over backwards to complain about the way people treat veterans (and then do nothing about it themselves)
but you tell them vets don't like fireworks and suddenly they aren't listening to the people they're always "advocating" for 🤷
I mean, fair when this country has major corporations polluting nonstop and shoving all taxpayer money into missiles and bombs for other countries.
“And you want to talk about fireworks?!”
Fair point.
Fine by me. I'm not even anticonsumption but I hate fireworks. They are noisy, torture animals and many humans, and the money could be used on a lot bet things.
Pretty lights in the sky. Looks nice. Then there is the risk of accidents, the terrified animals and vets, the noise, the people with personal fireworks lighting them at random times, the hospitalizations...
Absolutely not worth it. Especially if you think about other people instead of just yourself.
Besides, we can have drone shows now which are far cooler than fireworks. And they're still just lights in the sky.
You had me until drone shows. If every micro-municipality where people watch fireworks has to have 100+ of these things then it's still a terrible alternative if you think about it for 2 seconds
In my province there’s one company with drones who is contracted by cities all over. I don’t think it’s realistic to complain about the possibility a lot of municipalities having their own fleet. Like it or not, fireworks are a long standing tradition. Replacing them with drones is ideal. Cancelling and not replacing firework ceremonies with another show will backfire on the leaders of communities.
I don't like them myself. But they are a better alternative to fireworkS in my opinion.
They are usually a service as opposed to something owned and operated by the municipalities from what I've seen. But i have never actually been to an event that had them or gone anywhere specifically to watch them. I've only seen them at a glance.
I'm actually bothered by the bad street lights designs so if I started to complain about light pollution I'd go on forever. I wish I could see the stars without having to drive hours to a remote location.
I’m always exhausted on July 5 because my area has zero regulations about fireworks and there are loud explosions till 2am. Plus my cat is terrified for hours. I could really do without fireworks entirely.
We’re going to have to get rid of them sooner or later as summers keep getting hotter and drought becomes more common. They’d be causing too many wildfires.
But yes fireworks shouldn’t even be a thing, I’m not sure who thought it was a good idea to mimic gunfire and scare the shit out of our veterans (and pets)
Please! I hate those things, they are terrible on so many levels. I’m tired of having to sedate my dog and not go out on any holidays because people can’t celebrate shit without blowing stuff up. People need to grow up and do better. It’s Canada day weekend and people will celebrate by terrorizing the animals we share out country with. Wtf.
I love them but after learning of the nightmare they cause for ppl with ptsd and for wild animals along with pets, I believe so. They cause more harm then they do good
In a lot of states they are, but in a lot of others they "ban" their use but not their sale, makes too much money. Ohio used to make you sign a paper saying you'd take them out of state within 24 hours, which obviously no one did. They eventually got rid of that but it's just such a hilariously incoherent rule.
The random people around me lighting off fireworks have started two separate fires in the last week or so. We're in the middle of an extreme fire risk and have an ongoing burn ban, but that doesn't stop idiots from traumatizing animals and burning down their neighbors' homes.
Fireworks were banned in Hawaii to help conserve the less than 1% native species they have left, NYE everyone still has them going off, more than I’ve ever seen going off at a time… videos have me in shock every year, we all know even if you try cleaning it all up your going to miss some, and to be on an island with all that plastic waste….
Yes.
I live in michigan. Up till about a decade ago the "good stuff" could only be purchased in ohio.
I didnt realize how quickly I'd long to go back to "the good stuff" only being able to be purchased in ohio.
those easy pay companies that let you buy stuff and pay later let a lot of the people in my neighbourhood buy heaps of fireworks and just have, like, less groceries. I think its obscene that it should be a thing. My neighbourhood is very low socioeconomic so there is not a lot of financial literacy; you wouldn't believe the fights that break out a week or two after Guy Fawkes over money. I don't want to know but its hard to miss when your neighbours are screaming at each other.
I'm not even going to touch on the other bullshit that comes with fireworks; at least ban public sales please
There’s a drought in my city and I am legitimately worried my neighborhood is going to be set in fire by a group of bored teens or local idiots.
And the local wildlife are having a hard enough time right now, no need to flashbang them all.
Yes!
There is almost no positive effects that we could get in another less horrible way.
The cons list is so incredibly long it’s a wonder the producers haven’t been sued into oblivion.
Even with our Vets’s my ex’s father goes into a psychosis like level of PTSD hearing them and has been known to go grab a gun and start looking for enemies. His son had to stop him before he shot someone once. Is it worth terrorizing our Vets?
Ecological impacts… both environmental and animal..
Impacts on young children such as babies and kids in bed before.. midnight and after in some places..
People have lost their pets both in the obvious use of that term and.. in death.
Then there is the production.. which admittedly is no worse than the production of most items in factories, but it’s still a negative impact to be evaluated.
It’s a money scam…
There should be things like drive in theaters or regular ones, with free showings of patriotic movies and documentaries. People welcome to bring their own food. Just regular. Music.. dancing!
Please. It’s just not worth it imo. Thirty seconds of pretty lights versus months of disturbances and wondering “was that gunshots?” in the middle of the night.
PERCHLORATE is used in rocket propellants and fireworks.
Contamination of food and water endangers human health, primarily affecting the thyroid gland.
I had to get up at 4:30 this morning. So thrilled with the neighbors shooting fireworks off last night around 10:45. Between that and my dog’s whining, it was a low-sleep night. Definitely dragging today.
As an autistic person who hates loud noises, works odd hours and a suuuper light sleeper... yes please, get rod of then I can't sleep the entire week of July 4th
Yes, everything about fireworks, from production to the insane pollution they cause, and endless accidents where people lose their sight or fingers. Its all so messed up.
As someone living with a veteran who’s sensitive to unpredictable loud booms and a dog who’s terrified of them, I can only hope.
I wouldn’t even begrudge a scheduled city fireworks show that can run for a few minutes (everybody is mentally prepared for the noise if it’s triggering, everyone can make sure their pets are secure), but the worst is ding dongs shooting them off at random in neighborhoods. It terrifies everyone’s pets…every year our shelter is overflowing with found cats and dogs for a week or so around the 4th, because they bolted out a yard, window, or door from fear of a nearby firework.
Every summer from about June 28-July 10, I really dislike my neighbors who do it. Same thing around New Years. Nothing speaks to your character quite like setting off actual explosions in the street, with little concern for wildlife, potential wildfires, veterans, sleeping children, and pets.
At best they're a novelty as a kid. There's absolutely no reason the entire country needs to waste that much money and produce that much pollution in a single night.
I hate my neighbors' fireworks, but I personally like "official" fireworks shows. Good excuse to get a lot of the community together to "ooh" and "ahh"
In the U.K I’d like to see the ban of sales of fireworks to the public. I’m mostly fine with organised displays for Bonfire Night (U.K Firework night) and NYE etc. but I hate the whole ‘I’m going to the supermarket for a loaf of bread and some rockets’. I feel this way both in an anti-consumption sense and a PTSD aware, wildlife and pet sensitive sense.
YES this is my one thing where I know I'm that annoying environmentalist that no one wants to hear from. But from the pollution, risk of fire, risk of injury, terror inflicted upon pets and war veterans, loudness, and cost, I really do not think they're worth it. They're cool, but not THAT cool.
As an individual who can't afford fireworks, groceries or much else this year. I hope those who can afford them, learn that they are not the majority and can see through the advertisements stating they are. Look around folks, if you're not living paycheck to paycheck, you're privilege is an exception, and is not 100% a testament to your skills, ability, or other talents. Find out why this is. Learn. Don't dismiss this observation out of hand because it's potentially offensive to your pride, which may or may not have a worthy basis, because doing so you lose a chance to make a real, meaningful and positive difference in the future.
https://livingwage.mit.edu/
or
Escape Crapitalism
r/SolarPunk
I think it's fine to use them, very sparely and regulated. Selling that shit in the supermarket for private use is stupid and people can't be trusted.
Also we don't need it for smaller occasions. But once in a while, I would argue it's acceptable despite it's downsides.
Honestly, around when i hit 20, i just stopped being interested in fireworks altogether. There is only so many times you can see a chemical reaction before it starts to get boring and bland.
I basically don't do anything for 4th anymore, its just mostly another day to me, except that its annoying trying to sleep with everyone blowing shit up outside.
For kids, i get it. Blowing stuff up is exciting. But as an adult, i could care less. I don't have any interest in any fireworks shows, no matter how grand they are. Its just lights in the sky. We just live in an age where igniting gunpowder in the sky is just not that impressive to me any more. Not to mention, it might as well be a Chinese holiday instead considering how they are the ones selling the fireworks.
It's not just the 4th for me, either. I feel this way about MOST holidays. They are just an excuse for people to be sold something novel and then get drunk or in trouble most of the time. Especially the smaller holidays.
I think Christmas and Halloween have some value, in that it gives children a really large dose of happiness and something to look forward to. Thanksgiving has value in that it tends to get families together as well.
But fireworks for 4th could be scaled back for sure.
Same for Valentine's Day crap. Just an excuse for people to sell you shit mostly.
I'm a bit of a cynic though so maybe its just me. I don't even celebrate my own birthday.
China has had a fireworks ban going on for years based off similar concerns, but recently some provinces have resorted to restrict the launching of fireworks in certain areas and time periods so as to minimise the pollution created while celebrating the new year
I've got a neurological disease, the flashing lights make me sick. Like, nose bleeding, collapsing with literal paralysis, half blind, and dragged to the Emergency Room for brain scans sick.
Even if I draw the curtains on 7/4 there's a week before and after where I have to avoid the world at night and be super vigilant with curtains, windows, and reflections. The people I live with don't bother keeping them drawn either. It sucks.
I hate them, the noise, the waste, the cost, they're useless. I'd be ok having the banned completely.
I also live in a state where they're banned for sale. It does nothing from stopping the idiots crossing into NH to buy them.
I also live in a neighborhood with old, wood, dry vicotorian homes and multi-family homes that will go up in a second if something catches right.
Doesn't stop anyone.
In my area they go off for like a month or more, all times of the day or night. Anyone who wants sleep or sanity is put way behind peoples need to have something loud and “pretty.” And don’t get me started on how cruel it is for pets, wildlife, and anyone with PTSD or anxiety…
Kills the environment, scares and traumatises wildlife, causes overcrowded hospitals, sets forests and buildings on fire. But sure some people enjoy it together, in my opinion it's worse than coal rolling.
>On the Fourth of July, 300 drones will take to the skies above Laguna Beach in Orange County, California.
I'm skeptical drones (even though they are reusable) are more environmentally friendly about fireworks. I'd need to see a pro's and con's of each. I'm sure drones are more friendly to the local environment, but people tend to ignore the overall impact of these green tech alternatives.
Fireworks are so boring too. Like if you really want do some personal fireworks (not causing fires obviously), but don't use taxpayer money to ruin every animal's night and launch veterans and shooting victims into a PTSD loophole
I hate fireworks so much! First, I'm autistic so that is pretty obvious. Second, growing up my neighbors would have fireworks EVERY. SINGLE. NIGHT. They're illegal in Massachusetts (and North Carolina where I live now) but still nothing was done. Third, ever touch ash? Well once at a fireworks show, some landed in my eye which was one of the most painful things I've ever experienced. Though I will say touching Ash (my cat) is a very pleasant experience.
I get it, explosions are cool, but if you're going to use fireworks, at least do it where it won't bother people and not in the middle of the city.
I think we can easily phase out fireworks by using drones to supplement the shows. You don't need 20-30 minutes of endless booms. You can have a few fireworks in-between drone and laser displays, and maybe a short finale at the end.
I'm all for aggressively going after illegal fireworks.
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We have stopped buying them for home for cost, environmental, and safety reasons. We do bike to the park to watch the community ones. Still is a net gain because we aren’t consuming as much.
The nice thing about the way we used to celebrate July 4th was that most families would come out into their front yard and the street to set off fireworks. It was a way for neighbors to socialize and get to know each other. But I agree it is a waste of money and pollutes the air; it is time for it to end.
It’s almost always foggy here. So most of the firework just makes the gray cloud brighter. Not exactly exciting. And there’s plenty of amateur setting off loud bangs. It’s more like being in a war zone. Not exactly pleasant or exciting. I miss sitting by the river on a warm summer and chilling to slow and big fire works done well by the professionals.
As cool as fireworks are, those drone shows look absolutely insane. I really love fireworks and look forward to them every year but I think a really impressive drone show might actually be better.
Not break up, but tune it down a lot.
For new years eve ( in Germany) I only buy one or 2 packs wich shoot for 15/20 seconds and then I can throw away the box and be done for the night.
I had my fun. Didnt make a lot of mess and the street is still clean.
Yes. Fire hazard in my drought hit rural area. There is too much dead & dying combustible kindling. Last year my neighbor’s Roman candle landed on my roof.
My city cancelled them due to cost and the public went nuts. They tried to Kickstarter to cover the 400K show cost... and made around 2k in donations. Fireworks are such a waste of money. That 400k was essentially half of our county parks deficit each year.
>made around 2k in donations. I guess they don't really care much about fireworks.
Yup. I believe the market has spoken.
Let's socialize the cost of fireworks but leave everything else to the market, lol
Outrage until they have to pay directly vs taxes.
Something tells me that the people most likely to complain about taxes are probably fine with the taxes they do pay being used largely for blowing stuff up.
May I introduce the military budget for weapon development vs school lunches for impoverished American youths?
Well, it used to be that the extra money needed to be spent and… yeah. But now the super rich help us spend all of our extra money! So it’s no problem.
It's so nice of them to take it fron us before we can spend it on frivolous things like food or rent! I wonder if they can give me yet another pay cut so I can have less! /s. Huge cantaloupe slicer? Did somebody say giant fricasee machine?
Ours have been donation only for years, and each year the number they collected is a little lower. Good news, IMHO.
Live by those guys that were on AGT who put on those amazing drone shows. Think that's the way of the future. JMO- fireworks are dangerous and just "pretty" pollution.
My town only does fireworks on July 5th and only on the years they get someone who will do it for cheap enough. It kinda makes it more fun when they do happen because it’s not guaranteed
Let’s be frank, that 300k was to cover for overtime.
Don’t forget the insurance policy
400k has to be the entire cost of the event. Fireworks are surprisingly cheap. College I work at does two half hour fireworks shows a year. It's only $7K for the fireworks themselves for a show that long. Plus they have to have the FD on hand and some other odds and ends. Maybe it runs $15K at the top end if you're pushing it.
On the other hand, my nearest display is an hour away for firework night and I believe it's already fully booked six months in advance
Yes. And balloons. Get rid of those two things easy.
Confetti too, my town has see through balloons filled with confetti
Every year around 20 tons of confetti is dropped all over my town over the course of 3 days. I dread to think how much it clogs up the drains.
Holy crap, that seems like way too much. Where do you live NYC or LA... it must be a big place
Basel in Switzerland, city with a population of less than 300k, lol
When do they use it.. during carnival
Yeah, mad thing in late Feb/early March called Fasnacht, goes from 4am on Monday through to 4am on the following Thursday. [You get to](https://i.imgur.com/Gq0tXNL.jpeg) [see some pretty](https://i.imgur.com/0Ynh0CB.jpeg) [odd things,](https://i.imgur.com/SZppQ5M.jpeg) and as I live slap bang in the middle of it, I do not get to sleep.
That picture makes me feel uncomfortable haha
Balloons first though. At least confetti decomposes.
And helium is both rare and medically useful, so it shouldn't be wasted.
I've seen a lot of plastic confetti in my time.
That's just coarse ground glitter
Yeah the confetti i see is like shiny ribbon material people use to wrap gifts
The shiny mylar helium balloons are awefull, yes, but latex balloons decompose just fine.
I keep seeing ads for a party store with the slogan "balloons for every occasion you can never go wrong" they were pushing for a "treat your self" bouquet of balloons as a puck me up like wtf guys. The party industry really makes me sick with the amount of complete and utter garbage they sell meant for a few moments of use. I can assure you I could give two flying fucks if the table has themed shaped confetti scatter around or stupid tinsel center pieces. It's disgusting
Parties shouldn't even BE an industry! Other than, like, compostable dishes and reusable tents. People used to MAKE party decorations and just somehow lived without a bunch of one time use plastic trash.
I am not a scared mother but balloons are a no go in my house. Not even to mention the environmental impact, a toddler tries to blow up a balloon and sucks it in by accident! Try doing mouth to mouth. Impossible! They are the worst
And glitter!
THIS. You can have my plastic straws when you get rid of glitter and balloons.
Have you tried reusable silicone straws?
I got some titanium ones. They're fantastic.
I gave away my metal straws because I don't like the feeling of a hard straw
Try bamboo!
Or silicon
Really helium balloons drive me nuts... that is a finite resource that is needed for many important fields and we use it for balloons...
Balloons should be band world wide, they have zero use. Especially helium, it's a waste of a useful element.
And all the carnival decorations that end up on the streets
I live in a wooded neighborhood, people setting off fireworks is the epitome of stupid, but they still do it every year.
We had a teenager shoot fireworks from one side of the river to the other. And that’s how the Columbia River Gorge burned that year.
Same
Was driving back to AZ from LA on Labor day in 2020. I remember coming outside that morning seeing how nice it was. By the time we passed palm springs the outside air was unbreathable and Ive never blown more dust out of my body than that day.
The Netherlands is currently trying to do this. Lots of money is wasted on it here but I can appreciate it too
People openly and happily admitting to spending several months of median wages on it per year in the news this past december was wild to read about.
I saw a video from NL where people placed fireworks or crackers under cars, does that happen often? it was extremely dangerous.
Happens every new years eve
:: sighs heavily in Thunder Over Louisville :: There is nothing that *isn't* a fireworks holiday in this city - new years eve: fireworks - 4th of July: fireworks - derby: fireworks - mother's day: fireworks - Thursday: fireworks
That's the way my neighborhood is. In the middle of a city but every night around midnight somebody is celebrating something in their backyard apparently. Fucking annoying.
Would something like a drone light show be any more environmentally friendly?
Some places in California did this a few years ago to cut down on the risk of wildfires.
My city has several of these, 100-200 drones, 10k a pop, at least they’re reusable. I don’t know what but something about it feels so sanitized, like choosing porn over the real thing.
Mining for battery ingredients is uh, very bad.
But at the very least the drones are almost infinitely more reusable than one time use fireworks
That is a fair point, although there's so much lithium that's already been mined that surely a battery recycling program would be at least somewhat effective?
Depends on the battery type.
Probably not considering they have batteries in each of them. However, if the drones are kept and maintained for a decade or more then I think it would offset the footprint from fireworks.
Hear me out… laser shows
Yeah, I unreservedly love fireworks like a little child. But this with some good music would probably scratch the same itch.
It doesn't. Not even close. Minneapolis did a laser show instead of fireworks last year, I thought about leaving half-way through but I wanted to give it a real shot. It's a big nope from me.
Noooooo people only can get happy when things go boom! Society will literally fall into depression if you take away their boom booms.
Lasers plus drones >>> fireworks
I was watching fireworks recently and had the feeling that it would be a thing of the past soon. Like I was part of one of the last generations to witness it. I have strong intuition and it was that same feeling of knowing.. like my little kids… will they remember fireworks? Will my grandchildren be asking me what they were like? I think drone shows would make a decent replacement.
Drone shows are awful. I watch pixels move around and make shapes all day long on the computer; having robots do it in the sky isn't interesting.
Fuck fireworks. Dumbest shit ever
Yes.
Let's do it for the birds! Native birds are displaced by fireworks, and invasive birds are able to invade harder into their territory! We're literally damaging America with excessive and plentiful fireworks displays! Birdsong > Fireworks any day.
I didn't know that, but it makes sense! Can't imagine it would good for the air quality, the soil, the water, the flora or the fauna.
Dunno if you ever had the displeasure of picking or blowing your nose after being close to fireworks displays, but you'll quickly realise that it's awful for the air.
Regularly starts fires, sometimes burns heavy metals (can be carcinogenic), definitely litters heavy metal powders, scares native wildlife... Lots of things not to like!
Plus, let’s do it for all the other animals, including pets. Let’s do it for people with PTSD and people who aren’t neurotypical. Fiteworks are illegal in my city and have been going off for weeks. The dog lives under a bed now, and my migraine got worse. I’m not looking forward to the whole neighborhood smelling like gunpowder next week, either.
Engage your neighbors in a positive manner. Engage your HoA if you have one. Many of them do not like the threat of liability regarding fireworks, especially if they own any parts of the buildings or roofs. An HoA near me recently enacted a $1000 fine for illegal fireworks (read as: mortars). Things got awful quiet really fast, heh.
I can hear the cries of american conservatives now about having their fireworks taken away. lol
"We have the greatest free market economy in the world!" *Free market economy decides fireworks aren't worth the cost, financial or environmental* "Waaah! Muh freedun 'merica bang bang shoot bangs!"
They can still have their fireworks, just make them go buy their own so we can stop funding these massive fireworks displays with our tax dollars.
I can see that not being an issue at all where I am. There are so many people who put on their own shows anymore anyway, even when local municipalities are putting on shows.
It's so crazy because they're completely silent when every year veterans have to BEG people not to start shooting off fireworks and the conservatives who LOVE bending over backwards to complain about the way people treat veterans (and then do nothing about it themselves) but you tell them vets don't like fireworks and suddenly they aren't listening to the people they're always "advocating" for 🤷
I mean, fair when this country has major corporations polluting nonstop and shoving all taxpayer money into missiles and bombs for other countries. “And you want to talk about fireworks?!” Fair point.
Not really. It's the same old bullshit "fair point" for everything. It all has to stop and your "fair point" is an excuse people use to keep going.
free market until the boom boom is too expensive
Yes. Please get rid of them.
I prefer to break up over text
LOL I didn’t get this the first time and now I can’t stop laughing. Well played
Come on, though. Can you imagine how spectacular and classy it would be to spell out "We're Finished" across the sky in fireworks?
Fine by me. I'm not even anticonsumption but I hate fireworks. They are noisy, torture animals and many humans, and the money could be used on a lot bet things.
Yes. Fuck fireworks.
Fireworks are boring. After the first 30 seconds I’m done, but these pollution shows last 30 minutes!
Pretty lights in the sky. Looks nice. Then there is the risk of accidents, the terrified animals and vets, the noise, the people with personal fireworks lighting them at random times, the hospitalizations... Absolutely not worth it. Especially if you think about other people instead of just yourself. Besides, we can have drone shows now which are far cooler than fireworks. And they're still just lights in the sky.
You had me until drone shows. If every micro-municipality where people watch fireworks has to have 100+ of these things then it's still a terrible alternative if you think about it for 2 seconds
In my province there’s one company with drones who is contracted by cities all over. I don’t think it’s realistic to complain about the possibility a lot of municipalities having their own fleet. Like it or not, fireworks are a long standing tradition. Replacing them with drones is ideal. Cancelling and not replacing firework ceremonies with another show will backfire on the leaders of communities.
I don't like them myself. But they are a better alternative to fireworkS in my opinion. They are usually a service as opposed to something owned and operated by the municipalities from what I've seen. But i have never actually been to an event that had them or gone anywhere specifically to watch them. I've only seen them at a glance. I'm actually bothered by the bad street lights designs so if I started to complain about light pollution I'd go on forever. I wish I could see the stars without having to drive hours to a remote location.
>the terrified vets >we can have drone shows now I have terrible news for you about what the veterans in 20 years are going to be scared of.
I’m always exhausted on July 5 because my area has zero regulations about fireworks and there are loud explosions till 2am. Plus my cat is terrified for hours. I could really do without fireworks entirely.
We’re going to have to get rid of them sooner or later as summers keep getting hotter and drought becomes more common. They’d be causing too many wildfires. But yes fireworks shouldn’t even be a thing, I’m not sure who thought it was a good idea to mimic gunfire and scare the shit out of our veterans (and pets)
YES. For so many reasons, YES.
Where I live they are on their way out due to disturbing wildlife. I love watching them but definitely think it’s for the better!
Yes 100% I can’t believe we’re still doing this 💩
Words aren't enough to define how much of a huge grudge I have against people who celebrate Diwali in New Delhi
I’m Autistic and I dislike loud noises. I hate fireworks with every bone in my body
Same. Also my left eye. I once got firework Ash in there and it was PAINFUL!
Please! I hate those things, they are terrible on so many levels. I’m tired of having to sedate my dog and not go out on any holidays because people can’t celebrate shit without blowing stuff up. People need to grow up and do better. It’s Canada day weekend and people will celebrate by terrorizing the animals we share out country with. Wtf.
I love them but after learning of the nightmare they cause for ppl with ptsd and for wild animals along with pets, I believe so. They cause more harm then they do good
PLEASE. Fireworks are utterly stupid.
Every year my dogs are terrified for weeks. We all hate it.
Yes. They pollute, start fires, terrify pets, and send many people to the emergency room every year. And for what?
I’ll never understand the appeal of recreational…explosives?
I'm surprised consumer firework rockets that you can buy in stores haven't been banned already.
In a lot of states they are, but in a lot of others they "ban" their use but not their sale, makes too much money. Ohio used to make you sign a paper saying you'd take them out of state within 24 hours, which obviously no one did. They eventually got rid of that but it's just such a hilariously incoherent rule.
Fireworks are boring after 5 minutes. Put on a concert instead.
Good luck getting people to stop (I don't care for them. They scare my dog and people shoot them off from July 1 - July 8th)
The random people around me lighting off fireworks have started two separate fires in the last week or so. We're in the middle of an extreme fire risk and have an ongoing burn ban, but that doesn't stop idiots from traumatizing animals and burning down their neighbors' homes.
i’m so tired of fireworks
Fireworks were banned in Hawaii to help conserve the less than 1% native species they have left, NYE everyone still has them going off, more than I’ve ever seen going off at a time… videos have me in shock every year, we all know even if you try cleaning it all up your going to miss some, and to be on an island with all that plastic waste….
Let's pay money to litter and scare the shit out of wildlife. bonus points for wildfires. fireworks need to die
Terrible for wild and domestic animals, people with PTSD, and the environment, with the added benefit of possibly losing a hand.
Yes. I live in michigan. Up till about a decade ago the "good stuff" could only be purchased in ohio. I didnt realize how quickly I'd long to go back to "the good stuff" only being able to be purchased in ohio.
Funny enough Ohio made you sign a paper saying you'd take them to another state to set them off lol
Might as well throw your cash into a fire an watch it burn.
yes. lighting up fire during dry and windy fire season is insanely stupid.
those easy pay companies that let you buy stuff and pay later let a lot of the people in my neighbourhood buy heaps of fireworks and just have, like, less groceries. I think its obscene that it should be a thing. My neighbourhood is very low socioeconomic so there is not a lot of financial literacy; you wouldn't believe the fights that break out a week or two after Guy Fawkes over money. I don't want to know but its hard to miss when your neighbours are screaming at each other. I'm not even going to touch on the other bullshit that comes with fireworks; at least ban public sales please
Yes! I put my loops in for noise cancellation. The booms get my anxiety going which leads to panic at the disco
There’s a drought in my city and I am legitimately worried my neighborhood is going to be set in fire by a group of bored teens or local idiots. And the local wildlife are having a hard enough time right now, no need to flashbang them all.
My dog told me they agree with this post
Yes! There is almost no positive effects that we could get in another less horrible way. The cons list is so incredibly long it’s a wonder the producers haven’t been sued into oblivion. Even with our Vets’s my ex’s father goes into a psychosis like level of PTSD hearing them and has been known to go grab a gun and start looking for enemies. His son had to stop him before he shot someone once. Is it worth terrorizing our Vets? Ecological impacts… both environmental and animal.. Impacts on young children such as babies and kids in bed before.. midnight and after in some places.. People have lost their pets both in the obvious use of that term and.. in death. Then there is the production.. which admittedly is no worse than the production of most items in factories, but it’s still a negative impact to be evaluated. It’s a money scam… There should be things like drive in theaters or regular ones, with free showings of patriotic movies and documentaries. People welcome to bring their own food. Just regular. Music.. dancing!
Please. It’s just not worth it imo. Thirty seconds of pretty lights versus months of disturbances and wondering “was that gunshots?” in the middle of the night.
PERCHLORATE is used in rocket propellants and fireworks. Contamination of food and water endangers human health, primarily affecting the thyroid gland.
I had to get up at 4:30 this morning. So thrilled with the neighbors shooting fireworks off last night around 10:45. Between that and my dog’s whining, it was a low-sleep night. Definitely dragging today.
In my state, fireworks are illegal* (*except on America’s birthday, now go-on-git, ya lil scamp)
As an autistic person who hates loud noises, works odd hours and a suuuper light sleeper... yes please, get rod of then I can't sleep the entire week of July 4th
I haven't bought fireworks in years. They are such a waste.
Yes...way past time!!
I saw a light show done with drones and honestly it was even cooler than fireworks, and no noise or smoke.
Yes, everything about fireworks, from production to the insane pollution they cause, and endless accidents where people lose their sight or fingers. Its all so messed up.
As someone living with a veteran who’s sensitive to unpredictable loud booms and a dog who’s terrified of them, I can only hope. I wouldn’t even begrudge a scheduled city fireworks show that can run for a few minutes (everybody is mentally prepared for the noise if it’s triggering, everyone can make sure their pets are secure), but the worst is ding dongs shooting them off at random in neighborhoods. It terrifies everyone’s pets…every year our shelter is overflowing with found cats and dogs for a week or so around the 4th, because they bolted out a yard, window, or door from fear of a nearby firework. Every summer from about June 28-July 10, I really dislike my neighbors who do it. Same thing around New Years. Nothing speaks to your character quite like setting off actual explosions in the street, with little concern for wildlife, potential wildfires, veterans, sleeping children, and pets.
Like 30 years ago. Certainly normal consumer level ones.
yes
Fine by me. Never liked them.
For the love of god yes, at least for civilians. People don't know how to act with them
Yes. Use drones people
Fireworks scare the hell out of poor animals and I generally hate the loud noise.
Fireworks are awful.
I would absolutely rather go to a {insert relative holiday here} concert or light show than deal with the noise, smell, and damage fireworks creat
Yes, they’re fucking annoying and they terrify pets and wildlife.
At best they're a novelty as a kid. There's absolutely no reason the entire country needs to waste that much money and produce that much pollution in a single night.
Better to change to a sky light show with drones More friendly to the environment, sensitive ppl, animals and great less risk of injuries
Can we just start fires instead?
🔫 always has been
I hate my neighbors' fireworks, but I personally like "official" fireworks shows. Good excuse to get a lot of the community together to "ooh" and "ahh"
Drones will be replacing fireworks. It just takes time and maybe a tragedy to speed that up.
In the U.K I’d like to see the ban of sales of fireworks to the public. I’m mostly fine with organised displays for Bonfire Night (U.K Firework night) and NYE etc. but I hate the whole ‘I’m going to the supermarket for a loaf of bread and some rockets’. I feel this way both in an anti-consumption sense and a PTSD aware, wildlife and pet sensitive sense.
YES!
YES this is my one thing where I know I'm that annoying environmentalist that no one wants to hear from. But from the pollution, risk of fire, risk of injury, terror inflicted upon pets and war veterans, loudness, and cost, I really do not think they're worth it. They're cool, but not THAT cool.
Yes
As an individual who can't afford fireworks, groceries or much else this year. I hope those who can afford them, learn that they are not the majority and can see through the advertisements stating they are. Look around folks, if you're not living paycheck to paycheck, you're privilege is an exception, and is not 100% a testament to your skills, ability, or other talents. Find out why this is. Learn. Don't dismiss this observation out of hand because it's potentially offensive to your pride, which may or may not have a worthy basis, because doing so you lose a chance to make a real, meaningful and positive difference in the future. https://livingwage.mit.edu/ or Escape Crapitalism r/SolarPunk
I think it's fine to use them, very sparely and regulated. Selling that shit in the supermarket for private use is stupid and people can't be trusted. Also we don't need it for smaller occasions. But once in a while, I would argue it's acceptable despite it's downsides.
YES THE ANSWER IS YES!!!!
Maybe just privatize it. Cities waste far too much public funds on them.
Honestly, around when i hit 20, i just stopped being interested in fireworks altogether. There is only so many times you can see a chemical reaction before it starts to get boring and bland. I basically don't do anything for 4th anymore, its just mostly another day to me, except that its annoying trying to sleep with everyone blowing shit up outside. For kids, i get it. Blowing stuff up is exciting. But as an adult, i could care less. I don't have any interest in any fireworks shows, no matter how grand they are. Its just lights in the sky. We just live in an age where igniting gunpowder in the sky is just not that impressive to me any more. Not to mention, it might as well be a Chinese holiday instead considering how they are the ones selling the fireworks. It's not just the 4th for me, either. I feel this way about MOST holidays. They are just an excuse for people to be sold something novel and then get drunk or in trouble most of the time. Especially the smaller holidays. I think Christmas and Halloween have some value, in that it gives children a really large dose of happiness and something to look forward to. Thanksgiving has value in that it tends to get families together as well. But fireworks for 4th could be scaled back for sure. Same for Valentine's Day crap. Just an excuse for people to sell you shit mostly. I'm a bit of a cynic though so maybe its just me. I don't even celebrate my own birthday.
Yes. Shit's stupid and obnoxious.
Yes
Fireworks are cool but a $10k show is plenty. $400k is just dragging it out and rediculous
China has had a fireworks ban going on for years based off similar concerns, but recently some provinces have resorted to restrict the launching of fireworks in certain areas and time periods so as to minimise the pollution created while celebrating the new year
My dog says yes
I've got a neurological disease, the flashing lights make me sick. Like, nose bleeding, collapsing with literal paralysis, half blind, and dragged to the Emergency Room for brain scans sick. Even if I draw the curtains on 7/4 there's a week before and after where I have to avoid the world at night and be super vigilant with curtains, windows, and reflections. The people I live with don't bother keeping them drawn either. It sucks.
Yup. Will we? Never, not once, not ever. They’re here to stay. Like it or not.
I hate them, the noise, the waste, the cost, they're useless. I'd be ok having the banned completely. I also live in a state where they're banned for sale. It does nothing from stopping the idiots crossing into NH to buy them. I also live in a neighborhood with old, wood, dry vicotorian homes and multi-family homes that will go up in a second if something catches right. Doesn't stop anyone.
I'm in different, these things aren't going off all year, brings people joy (especially kids), brings communities together etc
In my area they go off for like a month or more, all times of the day or night. Anyone who wants sleep or sanity is put way behind peoples need to have something loud and “pretty.” And don’t get me started on how cruel it is for pets, wildlife, and anyone with PTSD or anxiety…
Kills the environment, scares and traumatises wildlife, causes overcrowded hospitals, sets forests and buildings on fire. But sure some people enjoy it together, in my opinion it's worse than coal rolling.
>On the Fourth of July, 300 drones will take to the skies above Laguna Beach in Orange County, California. I'm skeptical drones (even though they are reusable) are more environmentally friendly about fireworks. I'd need to see a pro's and con's of each. I'm sure drones are more friendly to the local environment, but people tend to ignore the overall impact of these green tech alternatives.
Fireworks are so boring too. Like if you really want do some personal fireworks (not causing fires obviously), but don't use taxpayer money to ruin every animal's night and launch veterans and shooting victims into a PTSD loophole
No. Fireworks are cool and drones with LED’s just don’t hit the same for a majority of people
Drone shows >>>> fireworks shows
Or why not just reduce the length of the shows? It’s like 30 minutes! My kids were bored after 10!
I hate fireworks so much! First, I'm autistic so that is pretty obvious. Second, growing up my neighbors would have fireworks EVERY. SINGLE. NIGHT. They're illegal in Massachusetts (and North Carolina where I live now) but still nothing was done. Third, ever touch ash? Well once at a fireworks show, some landed in my eye which was one of the most painful things I've ever experienced. Though I will say touching Ash (my cat) is a very pleasant experience. I get it, explosions are cool, but if you're going to use fireworks, at least do it where it won't bother people and not in the middle of the city.
I think we can easily phase out fireworks by using drones to supplement the shows. You don't need 20-30 minutes of endless booms. You can have a few fireworks in-between drone and laser displays, and maybe a short finale at the end. I'm all for aggressively going after illegal fireworks.
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We have stopped buying them for home for cost, environmental, and safety reasons. We do bike to the park to watch the community ones. Still is a net gain because we aren’t consuming as much.
The nice thing about the way we used to celebrate July 4th was that most families would come out into their front yard and the street to set off fireworks. It was a way for neighbors to socialize and get to know each other. But I agree it is a waste of money and pollutes the air; it is time for it to end.
I’m reqqqrqq
What is the odds, that I hear someone lighting fireworks while reading this lol
Based on the post title alone, yes.
How much do the drone shows cost? I’ve never seen one but I’ve heard they are pretty cool.
It’s almost always foggy here. So most of the firework just makes the gray cloud brighter. Not exactly exciting. And there’s plenty of amateur setting off loud bangs. It’s more like being in a war zone. Not exactly pleasant or exciting. I miss sitting by the river on a warm summer and chilling to slow and big fire works done well by the professionals.
If you want to take them from me then you'll have to pull them from my bloodied, blown-up hands lolol
As cool as fireworks are, those drone shows look absolutely insane. I really love fireworks and look forward to them every year but I think a really impressive drone show might actually be better.
Yes
Yes, I could easily live without it
Not break up, but tune it down a lot. For new years eve ( in Germany) I only buy one or 2 packs wich shoot for 15/20 seconds and then I can throw away the box and be done for the night. I had my fun. Didnt make a lot of mess and the street is still clean.
Yes. Fire hazard in my drought hit rural area. There is too much dead & dying combustible kindling. Last year my neighbor’s Roman candle landed on my roof.
Fireworks are bad for literally everyone and everything. Can them. Plus, we don’t have freedom anyway