Safe but Spectacular Alternatives to Fireworks

Aside from food and drinks on the table for media noche, a New Year’s Eve celebration would not be complete without Fireworks. Fireworks are indeed a staple in every new year’s eve celebration and lighting these as the clock ticks midnight is one of the much awaited highlights of this event. Some people like to just simply gaze into the night sky as the fireworks are lit, and some like to light up their own.

While everyone might enjoy the bright, colorful displays that sparkle up the sky each year on New Year's Eve, it is important that people consider the consequences of fireworks in the lives of people and the environment.

Fireworks, especially firecrackers, come with their own set of hazards, and more often than not, these pose a great damage not only to the surroundings, but also to human life.

Fireworks-related injuries are frequently reported in the media following the New Year's celebrations. Hand burns, eye injuries, hand fractures and lacerations, face injuries, amputation, and hearing loss are the six most common firework and firecracker-related injuries.

As beautiful as the fireworks, people should have a great resolution to start their new year better and improve their daily lives.

According to the Department of Health (DOH) on Saturday, January 1, there was an 11% decrease in firework-related injuries as the Philippines welcomed the new year 2022. That is great news, but still, there were lives put in danger and the goal is to eliminate any of these injuries that have life-changing effects.

Consequently, fireworks cause a lot of air pollution because when fireworks are set off, metal salts and explosives react chemically, releasing smoke and gases into the atmosphere. This comprises carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen, all of which are greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. Plus, fireworks and firecrackers are technically categorized as explosives which means that they can not be recycled and they will wind up as wastes in landfills.

Fortunately, firing up dangerous and often illegal fireworks and firecrackers at home is not the only way to celebrate New Year’s Eve this year. There are other less risky alternatives for fireworks and firecrackers that do not involve uncontrolled flames.

Illuminate the night with Glow Sticks

An option for the kids and the kids-at-heart to celebrate New Year’s Eve is Glow stick. Glow sticks are translucent plastics that come in a variety of colors and are a safe way to fill the night with light. These can be waved in the air or worn as a necklace. Glow sticks are also a fun way to add some extra visual flair to your celebration and these typically light up to six hours. Compared to fireworks, these are a lot cheaper and less harmful.

Amplify the celebration using Noise makers

There are plenty of things that can substitute the loud noises fireworks and firecrackers make. Plastic horns or torotot are examples of noise makers that are very affordable and safe to use, especially in condo living. If you live in a neighborhood and you have a car or any vehicle for that matter, honking your vehicle’s horn as the clock strikes midnight is also a great way to create loud noises. Aside from this, you can also use your musical instruments like drum, guitar, flutes, and others.

You may also improvise and create good noise maker alternatives like maracas made from empty cans, tambourine fashioned out of flattened bottle caps, or a DIY cymbals from pot lids and pan covers.

Switch on the Radio or Stereo

Aside from the noise makers, one great alternative is the gift of music. Whether you are at home or in your ready for occupancy condo, you can still celebrate the new year with a bang by switching on your radio or stereo and playing your favorite dance and groovy music. If you do not have a radio or stereo, you can play music on your phone via Spotify, Youtube Music, Apple Music, and other song streaming platforms and you may also consider these songs to play during this holiday celebration.

Shoot confetti in the sky with a party popper

This year, trade fireworks and firecrackers for a loud and colorful pop of confetti using a party popper. A party popper is a pyrotechnic device that is widely used during parties and gatherings just like New Year’s Eve. It uses a small friction-triggered explosive charge that is blown up by pulling a string to make a loud popping noise and it releases colorful paper confettis in the air that will definitely match whatever your condo design is.

Blow up a balloon

Another fun, safe, and spectacular alternative to do during New Year’s celebration is blowing up balloons. These colorful balloons can fill up the space and elevate your house or condo design, and when it is time, you can simply pop these to make loud noises.

You may also add a little creativity to your colorful balloons by DIY-ing and filling them up with confettis, and when you pop them, the confetti falls and will make the celebration more entertaining.

Safely light a bonfire

If you want a beautiful and warm ambiance on a cold December night, lighting up a small bonfire will certainly make your New Year’s Eve celebration a moment to remember! Imagine sitting around the bonfire like you are in a camp, kids toasting marshmallows and making smores, everyone singing with the accompaniment of an acoustic guitar while waiting for midnight. Isn't that remarkable? Of course, setting up a bonfire still poses a great threat, that is why it is important to do it safely.

Go to a Community Fireworks Display

Fireworks are an integral part of the tradition in celebrating New Year’s Eve. Instead of lighting up your own fireworks, why not just go to a community fireworks display and sit back and enjoy the colorful fireworks in the sky. It is free and safe for you. You just have to make sure that you are at a safe distance to avoid any casualties.

In any celebration, whether it is birthdays, weddings, fiestas, or New Year’s Eve, the occasion will be better if there are fireworks. However, it is important to remember that there are safer, but still fun and creative ways of celebrating without putting lives in danger.