save the fireworks for the bedroom.

At this time of year, fireworks prevail at celebrations around the world, especially in the US on the 4th of July. Fireworks are certainly pretty, but they are far from green. The smoke and dust from fireworks contains various heavy metals, sulfur-coal compounds and other noxious chemicals. Yuck! Do your part to keep celebrations green without being the grinch who stole all the fun: start a letter writing campaign to your local City Council or Park & Recreations Board asking them to consider using Sekon biodegradable, gunpowder-free fireworks next year. They’re good enough for Disney’s nightly fireworks show, so they should be good enough for your town too, right? If you’re feeling extra sexy, skip the fireworks altogether, and make your own lights-out magic at home.

Photograph by Billy Hicks.