Group pushes safer, non-toxic noisemakers for New Year's Eve

Trumpets and cookware can ring in the new year just as well as piccolos and five stars, the Ecowaste Coalition said in its latest campaign against firecrackers.

 

The coalition and several government units have been advocating the use of alternatives to firecrackers as part of the "Iwas Paputoxic" campaign, as seen in GMA News TV's "Balitanghali" on Thursday.

The annual event aims to caution citizens against the dangers firecrackers pose, and to give them substitutes with which to greet the new year.
 

While the Department of Health (DOH) has only recorded 42 instances of firecracker-related injury by the 26th, it said the number is still too high and is expected to grow as the new year approaches.

The Ecowaste Coalition also warned of the pollution pyrotechnics would create. 

 

The group said on its website that toxic metals are released when fireworks explode. The metals and gunpowder in pyrotechnics pose health risks and also contribute to environmental pollution, the coalition said.

 

Aileen Lucero, national coordinator for the coalition, said pyrotechnics could be substituted with a host of other noise-makers.

 

"Marami tayong alternatives diyan, nandiriyan ang mga lata, yung mga kaldero, kawali, mga timba sa bahay natin na hindi talaga tayo gagastos. Kung gusto pa nating maging mas masaya, pwedeng mag-organize ng street party," said Lucero.

 

Other alternatives suggested by the coalition include:
 

Ecowaste and government units have been handing out free trumpets to residents of Tondo, Manila to use for the new year. They will go around other barangays to give away more trumpets and informational posters.

 

The group also urged municipalities to donate money meant for fireworks to Typhoon Yolanda victims instead.

 

DOH Assistant Secretary Eric Tayag, meanwhile, had some advice for parents with children eager to play with firecrackers: "Huwag natin silang bibigyan ng pambili o pera, baka akala niyo ay bibili ng pagkain, 'yun pala paputok." — Rie Takumi/JDS, GMA News