As I was enjoying the July 4th fireworks this year, I couldn't help but wonder their impact on the environment.  Exploding gun powder and particals into the air can't possibly be good, but how bad is it really?

According to AQMD, the particulate levels in the areas around fireworks displays increase by about 100 times and do not return to normal until midday the next day.  These particulates can cause a host of physical reactions including, coughing, soar throats, and burning eyes, with increased risks for people with asthma.

In addition, the particulates from fireworks wind up in the environment.  The particles settle on the ground and contaminate waterways.  A study, done by the Environmental Protection Agency, found that the level of some chemicals increase by 1,000 in an Oklahoma lake, proceeding a fireworks display.

Although innovation in the Fireworks Industry (a $930M industry) has been pretty stagnant since their invention-- some folks are working towards a cleaner fireworks future.  Among those, Disney has been working to develop cleaner fireworks.  One option is ditching carbon-based materials for nitrogen atoms. According to scientists, this will introduce far less smoke into the environment.  Another option is fireworks that use nitrocellulose.  These fireworks emit water, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide instead of smoke.

If fireworks are going to stay part of American culture, I think it's time to place more emphasis on creating cleaner alternatives.

Sustainable seafood is from sources, either fished or farmed, that can maintain or increase production into the long-term without jeopardizing the affected ecosystems.

Some of the key issues that evaluate whether a fishery is sustainable include:
1. Inherent vulnerability of the species to fishing pressure
2. Status of the species population
3. Nature and extent of bycatch
4. Effect of fishing practices on habitats and ecosystems
5. Effectiveness of the fishery management

Some of the key issues used to evaluate fish farming include:
1. Use of marine resources in fish feed
2. Risk and impacts of escaped farmed fish to wild fish
3. Risk and impacts of disease and parasite transfer to wild fish
4. Risk and impacts of pollution and other impacts on habitats and ecosystems
5. Effectiveness of the fishery management

As consumers, we have the power to encourage fisheries to implement ethical practices. You can do so by boycotting seafood that is not in violation of the above issues. To learn about the best seafood, visit:

http://www.mbayaq.org/cr/cr_seafoodwatch/download.asp