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The July 4th holiday invites many images of celebratory backyard barbecues, pool parties, ice cream socials and, of course, fireworks.
As I have grown older and learned more about fireworks, honestly, the less enamored I am by them. They frighten animals and birds, startle those with post- traumatic stress and psychological disorders, and create massive amounts of trash on our beaches. I know this for a fact because I have picked paper, cardboard, metal and plastic firecracker debris from beach sand for many years on the same beaches used by sea turtles to lay their eggs.
At the risk of sounding like a party pooper, I wish more Americans could trade in their love of pop, boom and fizz for something a little more gentle to our planet. Dazzling laser shows are amazing and a terrific alternative to fireworks, but they often are still too expensive for most municipalities to offer as an Independence Day show. And you certainly do not want to release balloons. (It’s also illegal.)
What if you gathered kids together and blew giant soap bubbles or tossed hats into the air or carefully placed sprinklers in a safe place in your yard? What if you sang or danced or marched in a parade around your neighborhood with kids, dogs and family members of all ages?
You can show your love of country in many ways and maybe the days of fireworks should move on to something less elaborate, less expensive, less smokey and less trashy. Maybe we show our love of country with a little less boom and a lot more care.
Please remember that fireworks absolutely are not allowed in Canaveral National Seashore. You may grill your picnic protein and veggies on the beach in the park, but the only fire allowed is the one burning in your grill.
And maybe, just maybe, that savory smelling fire and the company of loved ones will be enough to make your July 4th memorable, safe and satisfying.
Lisa D. Mickey
President, Friends of Canaveral
Lisa D. Mickey is a Florida Master Naturalist/ Florida Land Steward
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