Firecracker-free New Year's Eve: The new campaign for people and animals!

Firecracker-free New Year's Eve: The new campaign for people and animals!

New Year's Eve is just around the corner and with it comes the atmospheric time of eating raclette with the family. But while many enjoy the traditional celebration, one woman from Hollenbach, Sophia Metzger, is about much more than just culinary delights. It has a clear message: stop the fireworks. Her campaign seeks to raise awareness of the environmental and health impacts associated with the New Year's tradition of fireworks. “I want people to understand what fireworks really do,” explains Metzger, who enjoys celebrating herself.

Metzger's initiative touches on a sensitive, politically controversial issue. In recent years, the discussion about the consequences of fireworks has gained increasing momentum. In addition to the noise pollution for people, the suffering that many animals have to endure is an important aspect. More and more dogs, cats and wild animals are suffering significantly from the loud and unpredictable noises of the rockets. The noise of fireworks puts animals in a state of shock, which can cause them to flee in panic - and often run into traffic, which can have fatal consequences. Animal rights activists have therefore repeatedly sounded the alarm. The WWF reports that in winter, when food is already scarce, wild animals lose even more energy due to the stress, which they actually need to survive.

Fireworks and the environment

But the problem doesn't end with the animals. The environment also suffers massively from the annual fireworks displays. According to reports, fireworks on New Year's Eve result in the highest levels of particulate matter of the year. Between 1,000 and 2,000 tons of fireworks are produced in Switzerland every year, and between 200 and 400 tons of fine dust are produced when they are burned off. A significant proportion of pollutants end up in soil and water, which ultimately also affects us humans. Fine dust can enter our bodies through the air we breathe and pose health risks. The arguments against firecrackers are not only emotional, they are also based on hard facts.

It's not just the short snapshots that delight us during the fireworks display; it is the long-term effects that should be focused on. Experimental studies have shown that just the sound of fireworks triggers extreme physiological stress responses in animals such as griffon vultures. The heart rate can increase from 50 to 170 beats per minute.

The way to a firecracker-free New Year's Eve

The voices calling for an end to private firecrackers are getting louder, and Sophia Metzger is just one of many who are campaigning for a firecracker-free New Year's Eve. “There are also many alternative ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve that don’t rely on fireworks,” says Metzger. Your campaign should set an initial example and encourage people to think outside the box. Celebrating without fireworks could improve the quality of life not only for animals, but also for us humans.

The challenge remains to find the balance between tradition and consideration for our environment and fellow creatures. Maybe the new awareness will take hold even more, and some of us will celebrate New Year's Eve next year without any fanfare and with a positive mood in our hearts. Metzger's voice will certainly be heard at the next Böllerei distribution event - for a holiday culture that respects animals and people.