Fireworks Detrimental Financial Costs
(Reference links provided where available.)

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Good evening, everyone.

Today, I would like to talk to you about the detrimental financial expenses resulting from fireworks. Fireworks are a common way to celebrate important holidays and events, but they come at a high cost.


First, let's talk about the environmental impact of fireworks. Fireworks create a toxic fog of fine particulates, poisonous aerosols, and heavy metals[1]. Fireworks are a polluting product, starting with their creation and fading away to an obscure end that stretches far into a smoggy distant future. Fireworks are also a distraction from what is really important: the reason for the holiday itself.

Second, fireworks can cause injuries and deaths. Nationally, fireworks cause 9,000 injuries and 5 deaths per year[2]. This leads to increased healthcare costs, which can be a burden on individuals and the healthcare system as a whole.

Third, fireworks displays can be expensive. Every firework purchase represents much more than the bright lights and big bangs they produce. In addition to the cost of the fireworks themselves, there are also costs associated with security, cleanup, and fire prevention[3].

These costs can add up quickly, especially for large public displays.

Finally, fireworks can be a financial burden on local governments. Budget cuts force officials to cancel July 4th fireworks in many places. This can be disappointing for residents who look forward to the annual display, but it can also save the government money. In Vancouver, BC the Halloween weekend fireworks related incidents cost a staggering $408,000, but the following year with the ban in place, the figure dropped to $5,500![4]

In conclusion, fireworks may seem like a fun and harmless way to celebrate, but they come at a very high cost!

From the environmental impact to the financial burden on individuals and governments, the costs of fireworks are too high. Instead of spending money on fireworks, we should focus on celebrating the true meaning of the holiday and finding alternative ways to celebrate that are safer and more environmentally friendly. Thank you.

[1] https://www.forbes.com/sites/grrlscientist/2019/12/31/festive-fireworks-create-harmful-pall-of-pollution/
[2] https://www.nybarexam.org/examquestions/JULY2017QA.pdf
[3] https://abcnews.go.com/Travel/Politics/july-4th-fireworks-celebrations-canceled-budget-cuts/story?id=11053613
[4] https://globalnews.ca/news/8347950/vancouver-halloween-fireworks-cost/

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Council members,

I would like to talk about how fireworks can be a financial burden on society. While fireworks are often seen as a symbol of celebration and joy, they come with a hidden cost that is often overlooked.

Firstly, fireworks are a polluting product. They create highly toxic gases and pollutants that poison the air, water, and soil, making them toxic to birds, wildlife, and pets[1]. Every firework purchase represents much more than the bright lights and big bangs they produce. They are expensive in more ways than the initial cost!

Secondly, fireworks can be a source of trauma for some individuals. According to a literature review on trauma, traumatic stress, trauma-informed care, and trauma-related interventions, fireworks can trigger traumatic memories in individuals who have experienced trauma[2]. This can lead to a range of negative outcomes, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Care is expensive!

Thirdly, the cost of fireworks can be a financial burden on society. Fireworks displays can cost thousands of dollars, which is often paid for by taxpayers or local businesses[3]. This money could be better spent on other community initiatives, such as education, healthcare, or infrastructure.

In light of these facts, I urge you to consider alternative ways to celebrate important holidays and events. For example, you could encourage your local civic leaders to substitute an annual community drone or laser light show for fireworks[1]. Laser light shows consume a lot of electricity, but they do not create pollution. Drone shows are another spectacular alternative.

In conclusion, fireworks may seem like harmless fun, but they come with a hidden cost that can be a financial burden on society. By choosing alternative ways to celebrate important holidays and events, we can reduce the negative impact of fireworks on our environment, our health, and our wallets.

Thank you.

[1] https://www.forbes.com/sites/grrlscientist/2019/12/31/festive-fireworks-create-harmful-pall-of-pollution/
[2] https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/d7/priv/sma14-4816_litreview.pdf
[3] https://www.columbus.af.mil/Portals/39/SilverWings/PDFs/2016/SW160701.pdf

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