• Question: Is it acceptable to use things to harm the environment for our own entertainment? E.g. Should we use fireworks even though they severely damage the air?

    Asked by anon-129382 to Megan, Mzamo, Ola, Olivia, Weiyi on 7 Nov 2016.
    • Photo: Ola Michalec

      Ola Michalec answered on 7 Nov 2016:

      I think we should think through every purchase which might be damaging to the environment. The environment is not a factor in decision making at shops always, and people buy things because “it’s tradition” / “they friends already have it”/ “it’s in fashion” / “they just got paid” (-> me every pay day :()

      In terms of whether it’s acceptable, I think on the whole our society encourages over consumption, no matter what are the effects on the environment.

      However, if we could resist the temptation to “buy more” and make environmental impact a big factor in making decisions – that would be great!

    • Photo: Megan Seymour

      Megan Seymour answered on 7 Nov 2016:

      That’s a really good question, and a tough one to answer. I think these things should be more carefully considered, and perhaps regulated by law if necessary.

      I think that fireworks should not necessarily be banned, but definitely be more carefully regulated. For example I think people should be able to buy them if they are putting on a professional display, but not for personal/private displays. (This would have other benefits too, like improving general safety, and stopping people’s pets being unnecessarily distressed by unpredictable fireworks).

      I think the same argument applies to the production of meat, for example. Whilst not technically ‘entertainment’, people are eating more meat than is necessary and this is really damaging to the environment. Again, I think the answer is careful regulation, rather than a complete ban.

    • Photo: Mzamo Shozi

      Mzamo Shozi answered on 7 Nov 2016:

      I would say that fireworks are not that bad considering that we use them so few times a year.

    • Photo: Olivia Ashton

      Olivia Ashton answered on 8 Nov 2016:

      I think that it depends on how these things are regulated. I’m sure that someone could argue that everything we do is harming the environment, which doesnt lead to many practical solutions. Its about striking a balance and being aware of things that are greatly impactful on the environement.

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