Green Crackers

Published on 05 Apr 2025

Green crackers describe firecrackers that are claimed to being less hazardous to the environment and emitting less emissions than standard firecrackers.

Significance of Green crackers

• Reduced Emissions: Green crackers are made to release less particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulphur dioxide (SO2).

• Alternative Formulations: They use alternative chemicals such as potassium nitrate and aluminium instead of magnesium and barium as well as carbon instead of arsenic and other harmful pollutants.

• Compliance with environmental standards: These are expected to comply with safety and environmental standards set by regulatory authorities which help to reduce air pollution and other environmental impacts.

• Noise Reduction: Normal firecrackers produce 160-200 decibels of sound, while that from green crackers are restricted to about 100-130 decibels.

Concerns regarding Green Crackers

• Lack of awareness: There is a lack of awareness amongst both the sellers and the public on how to identify the right green crackers.

• Unemployment: Coupled with a prohibition on traditional fireworks, the legal exclusivity of green crackers' manufacturing to companies that have agreements with the CSIR means that many small and cottage businesses would be out of business.

• Lack of Standardization: The absence of clear standards can lead to greenwashing, where products may be marketed as environmentally friendly without meeting standardized definitions and criteria.

• Lack of availability: Most customers prefer ‘traditional’ crackers due to a lack of availability of green crackers, or due to their higher prices.

• Incomplete Emission Reduction: Green Crackers have been shown to lower some emissions, but they may still produce dangerous particles and worsen air pollution.

Way Forward

• Clear Standards and Certification: Establish precise, uniform standards for what constitutes a "green cracker." Promote third-party certification as a fair method to confirm that green crackers adhere to set requirements.

• Collaborate with Manufacturers: Collaborate with fireworks manufacturers to promote the adoption of environmentally friendly practices.

• Public awareness: Encourage awareness campaigns to educate consumers about the environmental impact of fireworks and the benefits of green crackers.

• Strengthen Regulations: Enforce stricter laws regulating the manufacture, distribution, and use of fireworks while making sure that producers follow environmental guidelines.

• Incentivize Green Practices: Provide incentives for manufacturers adopting sustainable practices and producing green crackers.

Tags:
Environment

Keywords:
Green crackers Pollution Air pollution

Syllabus:
General Studies Paper 3

Topics:
Environment and Climate Change