Beyond Barbecue and Fireworks: Beauty of Celebrations in July

60% of Americans plan to watch a fireworks display. Several American families gather in nearby parks for a day of barbecue and fireworks on July 4^th.

Paws and Feathers: A Young Girl’s Summer Sorrow

Celina was a beautiful 12-year-old American girl who dwelled on a busy street in Colorado. She was head-over-heels in love with the serenity and beauty of nature. She had a couple of pets. Dell, the Labrador dog, and Dora, the cuckoo, infuse the house with their captivating melodies.

Every day, the two Ds would excitedly await Celina’s arrival home from school. Together, they played and shared the meal.

Last year, after a couple of days from July 4^th, when she got back home from school, she didn’t find Dell on the doorsteps, and to her surprise, Dora didn’t welcome her either. She hurriedly entered the home and broke down in tears upon discovering a note from her mom that said,

‘Dell is at a vet. He’s suffering from lung disease’.

The shocking news made poor girl very sad. Would he return home? Is he alright? Would she play with him anymore? Did the barbecue and fireworks cause him to become ill? She cringed as her mind filled with questions.

Independence Day Trends

Ultimate Rejoicing

Evidently, the day stands out because of the variety of activities that take place across the country. People become occupied with outdoor plans, family reunions, family trips, beach schedules, barbecue arrangements, sea surfing, and so on. Above all, the sky-filling ‘fireworks’ are the talk of the town, commemorating Independence Day as an incredible occasion. On the whole, the July 4th celebration is unimaginable without barbecue and fireworks.

Fireworks manufacturers

On the other side, naturally, fireworks producers devise clever strategies to increase their sales. To attract their eager customers, they remain busy promoting offers and eye-catching advertisements. In fact, numerous reports reveal details of the income portion spent on fireworks last year, resulted in the ever-increasing sellers’ gains.

Statistics unveil the truth:

According to the APA (American Pyrotechnics Association), 

Firstly, we distinguish between two types of fireworks. For large-scale shows, professionals sell second-display fireworks, also known as consumer fireworks, to the public. In 2022, the United States fireworks industry made $400 million in display fireworks revenue and $2.3 billion in consumer fireworks revenue.

Fireworks sellers mock

conclusively, a consumer buying one case of fireworks for $100 can result in a profit of $300 for the business owner. The business quickly multiplies its profits by three times its sales.

Mind these facts: fireworks hazards

“According to statistics, Independence Day barbecue and fireworks release 42% more pollutants into the air than they do on a typical day.”

Dian J. Seidel

In a study, Author expressed his surprise.

Air pollution

To everyone’s surprise, there exists a common misunderstanding that misleads most of us. When people think of air pollution, they think of other types of things, such as smoke stacks, automobiles, and industrial emission pipes. He believes that most people do not view fireworks as a significant factor. Traditionally, the annual barbecue and fireworks performances play a pivotal role by contributing to the terrible atmospheric change.

Gunpowder

However, we must all accept the notion that gunpowder, also known as black powder, found in fireworks, is a mixture of potassium nitrate (an oxidizer), charcoal or carbon (fuel), and sulfur (an accelerant). The list of ingredients is quite alarming.

Furthermore, fireworks release certain substances, including dangerous heavy metals, which pose a major risk to human health if ingested. The air quality risk could last until July 5 morning and afternoon. Further more, they induce inflammation, which can make breathing extremely difficult. On July 4 and 5, the average nationwide increase in fine particle matter was 42%.

Dogs and Pets Dislike Independence Day Celebrations

Similarly, when surveying with contributors on Quora, one may wonder how many Americans have shared their concerns and worries about their dogs and other household pets, who are known to detest Independence Day celebrations. Although, many humane groups and animal shelters stay vigilant and prepared for the loss of pets fleeing after or during the Independence Day celebrations because dogs and other household pets do not give a nod to such July 4 celebration trends. Moreover, wild animals cannot sleep in a relaxed manner, either. They remain desperate.

Human pain

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that 10,200 fireworks-related injuries and 11 reported deaths occurred in 2022 among Americans. Tiny sparklers and firecrackers lit at homes caused several accidents. Significant public or commercial displays did not sustain any damage.

An eye for a firework

Sadly, ophthalmology clinics have a number of statistics on eye damage cases. A firework set off from an incorrect position can have an impact on everyone present. Scientifically speaking, sparklers burn at more than 1093.333 °C. The damage it may cause to the environment is enough to make everyone’s eyes pop wider.

Barbecue mania: side effects

While flipping the coin, the opposite side appears to indicate another risk. More than half of Americans (57%) plan to grill or barbecue over the holiday weekend to add a smoky flavor to the grills; they prefer charcoal.

Biomass at risk:

“Charcoal producers are removing 80 percent of the biomass in the forests.”

Fernando Sedano, Geographer at University of Maryland

Greenhouse gases

Moreover, to accelerate biodiversity loss, the charcoal industry releases planet-warming greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

“The average grill produces around 11 pounds of carbon dioxide per hour.”

The New York Times

Which means a typical two-hour charcoal grilling session exhales as much carbon dioxide as driving a car for around 26 miles.

Sustainable ways to protect from the harmful effects of Barbecue and Fireworks

To sum up, nothing expresses Independence Day like a barbecue and fireworks ritual. Subconsciously, it’s not just about saving money. The focus is on preserving the lives of our beloved American citizens. Therefore, let’s take a few significant steps to keep the beauty of this atmosphere preserved.

1.Set new trends

Amicably speaking change the celebration trends, switch from fireworks to multi-colored laser lights and enjoy the mind-blowing light show synchronized with the melodious national songs. It is highly recommended to establish this tradition, as the change always sounds soothing.

2.Adopt greener charcoal substitutes

However, convincingly opt for briquettes made out of coconut shells, which produce less smoke and eliminate the need for wood waste. Yes, it also emits CO2, but in a smaller proportion, preventing the destruction of more trees.

3. Prefer natural gas grilling

You can even switch fuel sources altogether. According to the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, gas grills emit about half as much carbon dioxide per hour as charcoal grills.

4. Spread awareness

Organize some speeches outside that highlight the environmental damage this extravaganza causes, rather than just watching the skies fill with fireworks.

5. Walk with the community

Let’s gather and prefer to go for a walk with the community rather than sit inside homes and enjoy the light. Enhance the message about how climate change, due to heavy firework displays, is rapidly causing damage to this beautiful earth and the beauty of the US. It is high time to play a little role.

6. Prefer public transport

You had better travel via public transport while planning a trip with the family on Independence Day. Apart from hectic work routine, it provides you with an opportunity to wish Independence Day happiness with others available in the vehicle.

7. Have burgers delivered

Since, barbecuing poses a risk of environmental pollution. Let’s order some meaty-cheesy burgers this year and next (remember, they are not suitable for those who are prone to obesity). It is advisable for the festivities only. Don’t foster this addiction as an everyday meal.

By the way, what do you think about fish zingers or homemade cultural veggie cuisine?

8. Environment-friendly faces

However, looking beautiful or attractive is what every human wants. To preserve the skin from the scorching UV sun rays, we apply cosmetics and caress the faces with sun blocks. Generally, we recommend using environmental friendly products.

9. Green the bare

They say, “As you sow, so shall you reap.”

Interpretation is not that difficult. Planting trees where the land is bare is one of our social obligations; this not only compensates for the loss of deforestation but also adds endless greenery to the landscape.

10. All the barriers are not bad

Given the potential risks, it’s crucial for everyone to remain on the other side of the safety barriers to ensure a safe celebration. Particularly, for the children playing with sparklers and the adults preparing the barbecue and fireworks for the evening.

Secondly, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) recommends that all involved users must wear eye protection.

Strictly Follow the Following

 if ,any unwanted firework or sparkler hit your eyes:

1. Don’t Press the eyes.

2. Don’t rinse your eyes.

3.Don’t use ointments.

4 Don’t take any blood-thinning pain medications (unless prescribed by a physician).

Be The One!

However, the true beauty lies in the insightful understanding that embodies the sense of responsibility this beautiful festival demands. Although, this day’s sky-high grandeur is unmatched, we must not celebrate it at the cost of valuable lives. Our actions, attitudes, and respect towards the environment and climate change should make sense.

End the danger of Barbecue and Fireworks

The combination of barbecue and fireworks makes this 4th of July incredible. People, animals, and birds all breathe in harmful, invisible air throughout the nation. This occurs frequently as a result of things like wildfires, industry pollutants, and automobile exhaust. Moreover, the trend toward barbecue, along with the use of sparklers and fireworks, may also pose a severe and irreversible risk to climate change.

Light the torch

“SO BE THE TORCH BEARER, SPREAD THE LIGHT OF AWARENESS, INSTEAD OF TORCHING THE BEAUTIFUL ATMOSPHERE”

Author

Let’s not end the celebrations with barbecue as the highlight; hence, make America a safer country; keep it cleaner, greener, better, and a beautiful land for every American and the rest of the creatures.

Citations

1. https://greenly.earth/en-us/blog/ecology-news/why-is-the-fourth-of-july-so-bad-for-the-environment
2. https://www.marketplace.org/2023/07/03/fireworks-by-the-numbers/(gunpowder)
3. https://earth.org/environmental-impact-of-fireworks
4. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/fireworks-bad
5. https://www.greenmatters.com/p/fireworks-environmental-impact
6. https://www.airfiltersdelivered.com/blogs/helpful-tips/4th-of-july-fireworks-cause-air-pollution
7. https://ideas.ted.com/environmental-impact-of-charcoal-barbecue
8. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/07/02/fourth-july-bbq-burger-grilling-food-safety/7838791002
9. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/04/climate/fireworks-air-quality-drones-laser.htm

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