In response to Bill Hynes’s letter (Jan. 8) when he suggests that fireworks are not a problem and that he is exhausted listening to a portion of seniors in his community.
I would like to dispute his assertion that there are “a few fireworks… for these few hours each year”.
It would appear that fireworks are becoming the thing to do for any type of ‘celebration’.
Not only do we have to consider New Year’s, but also July 1, Nov. 5, civic activities, personal birthdays, but also the several weeks before and after these dates. Just yesterday (Jan. 14), driving home at 6 p.m. I witnessed fireworks on Little Mountain.
Even if one self-interestedly decides not to care what one’s senior neighbours think, a caring, compassionate person should consider the following:
It is not just senior’s dogs who are terrified. Research the number of local dogs that ran away on New Year’s night. Fireworks affect both domestic (many horses have died as a result) and wildlife.
Fireworks pollute. Not only do they release toxic chemicals, they distribute plastic and plasticized cardboard into our environment – and into our ocean when Parksville has its firework display.
Veterans and others who suffer with PTSD can be affected by the loud and percussive nature of the explosions.
Purchasing fireworks puts funds into the hands of those who use child labour in other parts of the world.
All of the above is easy to research, and I encourage readers to reconsider their use of fireworks and to take pleasure in alternative ways of celebrating.
Liz Yeates
Parksville