Green crackers are an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fireworks. They are designed to produce less air and noise pollution and are made with reduced levels of harmful chemicals.
Features of Green Crackers:
- Alternative Chemical Formulations:
- Green crackers replace or reduce harmful chemicals like potassium nitrate, sulfur, and aluminum with eco-friendly alternatives.
- They include additives such as magnesium-based compounds or zeolites that produce fewer pollutants and suppress harmful emissions.
- Emission Suppressants:
- Special formulations include compounds that absorb or neutralize toxic gases like sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides.
- For example, SWAS (Safe Water Releaser) crackers release water vapor when burned, which helps reduce particulate matter in the air.
- Controlled Combustion:
- The combustion in green crackers is engineered to occur more efficiently, reducing the formation of pollutants like carbon monoxide, PM2.5, and PM10.
- They also generate less ash and residue, minimizing post-usage waste.
- Low Noise and Light Pollution:
- Green crackers use sound dampening formulations and lower quantities of chemicals responsible for loud noises.
- They produce vibrant but controlled visual effects with reduced smoke and glare.
- Innovative Additives:
- Thermite-based mixtures are used in some crackers to lower emissions while ensuring bright spark effects.
- Minimal aluminum content in certain variants reduces metal-based particulates in the air.
- Reduced Explosive Content:
- They use reduced quantities of explosive substances, which not only cuts emissions but also minimizes the overall intensity of the firework’s impact on the environment.
Green crackers are developed by organizations like CSIR-NEERI (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Environmental Engineering Research Institute) in India. They are specifically tested to comply with environmental and safety standards.
By focusing on reduced chemical usage, emission suppressants, and efficient combustion, green crackers significantly minimize the environmental and health impacts of traditional fireworks while still allowing for festive celebrations.