THE MUCH-ANTICIPATED yearend revelry to welcome 2019 need not cause grievous bodily harm, as well as hazardous waste and pollution. Firecrackers and fireworks are toxic to humans, as well as to the environment.
Let us find kinder ways of ushering in the New Year sans burn injuries, severed fingers, hazardous residuals and toxic fumes resulting from the use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices. Instead, let us have alternative merrymaking that will protect life, limb and property and put public health and safety ahead of profit. Among the substitute noisemakers are pots, pans and other kitchen utensils, homemade musical instruments such as maracas and shakers from recycled materials, as well as colorful paper and plastic trumpets.
We appeal to our barangay and other local leaders from the youth, health, business and religious sectors to act as one in promoting alternative merrymaking that preserve lives, properties and our surroundings.
Aside from the sounds and lights, let’s welcome 2019 with prayers thanking the Almighty for looking after our families and nation as we seek His blessing and protection for the New Year.
We hope that this time around, firecracker-related injuries, mostly affecting children, will be reduced. Let us have a gentler way of welcoming the New Year without causing injuries, hazardous wastes, greenhouse gases and other pollutants.
