This Diwali, let us shun firecrackers. Here are four reasons why-
1. Child labour is still rampant in the Indian firecracker industry. In the 1990s, 30% of the employees in firecracker industries were children below 14. There has not been much change.
2. Labour and safety standards are disregarded in both Indian and Chinese firecracker industries. There are major accidents every year resulting in numerous deaths.
3. Our campus is home to more than 200 species of birds, and other wildlife like deer, tortoises, and porcupines. The sounds from bursting firecrackers terrify them, especially the birds. It causes stress, and the birds to abandon their nests.
4. Firecrackers result in air, soil and water pollution. Harmful gases, heavy metals, and greenhouse gases like ozone are produced while bursting firecrackers.
In buying and bursting firecrackers, we encourage an unjust industry, and their unacceptable practices like child labour. We also needlessly stress our feathered, furry (and needled!) friends.
This Diwali, UoH, let us join hands and say no to firecrackers!
Thank you for helping make our world a better place. Do spread the word.1. Child labour is still rampant in the Indian firecracker industry. In the 1990s, 30% of the employees in firecracker industries were children below 14. There has not been much change.
2. Labour and safety standards are disregarded in both Indian and Chinese firecracker industries. There are major accidents every year resulting in numerous deaths.
3. Our campus is home to more than 200 species of birds, and other wildlife like deer, tortoises, and porcupines. The sounds from bursting firecrackers terrify them, especially the birds. It causes stress, and the birds to abandon their nests.
4. Firecrackers result in air, soil and water pollution. Harmful gases, heavy metals, and greenhouse gases like ozone are produced while bursting firecrackers.
In buying and bursting firecrackers, we encourage an unjust industry, and their unacceptable practices like child labour. We also needlessly stress our feathered, furry (and needled!) friends.
This Diwali, UoH, let us join hands and say no to firecrackers!
Reference and further reading/watching:
1. An overview of the dangers of firecrackers- http://www.voiceforthevoiceless.org.za/dangers.htm
2. The pollution caused by firecrackers- http://www.backcountryattitude.com/toxic_fireworks.html
3. Child labour in Sivakasi-
a) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77ZftCVPkyA&feature=player_embedded
b) http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/korean-broadcaster-shoots-documentary-on-sivakasi-child-labour/236541/0
c) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sivakasi#Economy
d) "Exploited Child: A National Problem" by T N Kitchlu. pp13-14
4. Chinese firecracker industry survey report- http://www.clb.org.hk/en/content/official-survey-finds-around-half-china%E2%80%99s-fireworks-are-sub-standard-and-unsafe
5. Major accidents in Sivakasi-
a) http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil_nadu/article601806.ece
b) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sivakasi_factory_explosion
c) http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/death-toll-goes-up-in-sivakasi-fire-accident/article6151079.ece
6. Firecracker effects on birds and animals-
a) An overview - http://www.westsoundwildlife.org/wildlife/Coexisting/CO_Fireworks.html
b) Paper in Beh. Eco. - http://beheco.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2011/07/09/beheco.arr102.full
c) 2009 report from San Diego - http://ecocerf.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/wildlife-summary-and-exhibits-except-no-4.pdf
7. Some photos of birds in UoH - https://secure.flickr.com/photos/badjoby/sets/72157627706928459/
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