Green crackers are a recent innovation designed to minimize the environmental impact of traditional firecrackers. Developed in response to growing concerns about air pollution and health hazards, green crackers aim to provide a cleaner and safer alternative to conventional fireworks while still preserving the joy and excitement of celebrations.
What Are Green Crackers?
Green crackers are a type of eco-friendly firecrackers that are engineered to emit reduced pollutants and produce less smoke and noise compared to traditional firecrackers. They are developed under the guidance of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in India and have several features that make them better for the environment.
Some characteristics of green crackers include:
- Less Pollutants: They emit 30-35% fewer particulate matter (PM) such as PM10 and PM2.5, which contribute to air pollution and respiratory issues.
- Reduced Emissions: Green crackers produce fewer greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides.
- Reduced Noise Levels: They are designed to create less noise, reducing the disturbance to people, animals, and the environment, with a sound output limit of about 110-125 decibels, much lower than traditional firecrackers.
- Chemical Substitutes: They use alternative raw materials such as magnesium instead of toxic chemicals like aluminum, barium nitrate, or potassium nitrate, which are commonly found in traditional firecrackers.
- Less Harmful Compounds: These crackers are free from harmful compounds like lead, mercury, or arsenic, which are hazardous to both human health and the environment.
Types of Green Crackers
Green crackers come in various forms, similar to traditional firecrackers, such as:
- Phooljhari (Sparklers)
- Anaars (Fountains)
- Chakris (Ground Spinners)
- Bombs (with reduced noise)
- Rockets
How to Identify Green Crackers
To ensure that you are buying authentic green crackers, each pack of green crackers is required to have a QR code on the packaging. Scanning this QR code gives detailed information about the product, including the emission levels, to verify that it meets the required standards.
Why Should We Use Green Crackers?
There are several important reasons to choose green crackers over traditional ones:
- Reduction in Air Pollution
- During Diwali, pollution levels often spike due to the heavy use of traditional firecrackers, which release harmful gases and particulate matter into the atmosphere. Green crackers help reduce air pollution, leading to better air quality.
- Health Benefits
- The pollutants emitted by traditional firecrackers can cause respiratory issues, especially in children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions like asthma. Green crackers produce less smoke and fewer toxins, making the air healthier to breathe during celebrations.
- Lower Noise Pollution
- Traditional firecrackers can cause high levels of noise pollution, which disturbs people, especially infants, senior citizens, and pets. Green crackers produce lower noise levels, allowing for a quieter, more peaceful celebration.
- Compliance with Regulations
- Many cities and states have imposed strict regulations on the use of traditional firecrackers to control pollution. By using green crackers, you comply with these legal standards and contribute to a cleaner environment.
- Promoting Sustainability
- Green crackers represent a move towards sustainable celebrations, emphasizing that we can enjoy festivals without compromising the environment. Choosing green crackers shows your commitment to preserving nature and being part of the solution to environmental issues.
- Mitigating Global Warming
- By emitting fewer greenhouse gases, green crackers help in mitigating the effects of global warming, a crucial factor in combating climate change. Every small step toward reducing emissions makes a significant difference.
Conclusion
Green crackers offer an exciting and responsible way to enjoy festivals like Diwali without the harmful side effects associated with traditional firecrackers. By reducing pollution, protecting public health, and adhering to environmental regulations, they are a positive step towards more sustainable and eco-friendly celebrations. Opting for green crackers allows us to uphold the spirit of the festival while safeguarding the environment for future generations.