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All those bonfires and explosives mean that Guy Fawkes Night isn't the greenest of events. However, we enjoy some pretty explosions as much as the next guy, so don't want to see it cancelled. Follow SmartPlanet's tips and make this traditional night as pollution-free as possible.
Bonfires obviously release a large amount of carbon dioxide, but are an essential part of the Guy Fawkes Night tradition. If you do have one, carefully choosing what to burn can help limit its effect. Painted wood should be avoided where possible, especially if it's old as it may be lead-based paint.
Also, plastic and other household waste will release poisonous fumes if burned, and may even be illegal -- bonfires aren't covered by the Clean Air Act of 1993 unless they're emitting black smoke, which they will if you burn the wrong stuff. Burning only dry material will also help cut down on smoke. (Remember, before you light a bonfire always check to make sure there's no wildlife nestled underneath.)
Fireworks are also quite heavily polluting. Studies have shown that the background level of perchlorate in water supplies rises significantly after firework events, and many use heavy metals to achieve that pretty colouring. There are greener fireworks in development, but we spent all afternoon trying to track some down with no luck.
Disney, for example, has developed a way to use compressed air to launch fireworks that cuts down on the amount of gunpowder needed, but the firework distributors we spoke to had never seen them. There's also a Japanese company called Sekon that claims to have developed biodegradable firework casings, but we were unable to reach them for comment.
It seems, then, that for the time being fireworks will remain polluting, and the only way to lessen their impact is to get more people watching the same show. So instead of having your own fireworks and bonfire, get yourself along to a large organised event. Not only is it safer, it's also greener. Check out the Fireworks website for a full list of events across the UK.
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