If nothing matters, there's nothing to save; If matters, there is much to save: Louder the noise the greater the thrill

If nothing matters, there's nothing to save; If matters, there is much to save: Louder the noise the greater the thrill: As Diwali is about to come, I was thinking to write about the festival and the advantage and disadvantages one can have. So, I wrote about...

Louder the noise the greater the thrill

As Diwali is about to come, I was thinking to write about the festival and the advantage and disadvantages one can have. So, I wrote about how noise pollution affects animals and our pet dogs. We are animal lovers as well as we love crackers.

But what about our beloved pets? They have become part of our families. We try and provide them with love and balanced lives. In my opinion, that also means educating ourselves in how our human made sounds affect them.

Humans hear up to 20 kHz. Dogs hear 125% higher than that, up to 45 kHz. And cats hear up to 64 kHz, that’s 42% higher than dogs and 220% higher than humans.  So it shouldn’t be any surprise that cats get easily agitated when they hear people fighting, and dogs bark when trains screech, or they shake and show other anxiety signs during the roars of motorcycle sounds. The sounds of garbage trucks and the beeping of trucks backing up have been known to send dogs into a state of panic. Dogs are always trying to figure out what is safe in their environment. When they can’t orient where a sound is coming from and if it is safe, an imbalance can occur in their nervous system.  Dogs that were once calm most of the time are scratching at the walls, trying to jump out windows, and have been destructive in their apartments. 

Did you know that diyas lit on the moonless Diwali night signifies the end of darkness of ignorance and the beginning of light that enlightens all? Well, this Diwali enlighten you towards the hazards that boisterous celebrations of Diwali poses to our environment.

This articles endeavors to sensitize the readers towards celebrating an environmentally safe Diwali by pointing out the major impacts that Diwali has on our environment. It is hoped that this articles will encourage you to celebrate a green Diwali, where there will be an explosion of joy without crackers! 

For most people lighting of firecrackers is the highlight of Diwali. Brighter the sparkles, louder the noise the greater the thrill!! In fact to many of us, these aesthetic forms of light seem so appropriate and most essential when celebrating the Festival of Lights.

There are few steps one should follow especially when you are animal lover as well as crackers freak.

Here are some adverse effects (for animals) of bursting firecrackers

1. Noise pollution

The sounds created by firecrackers are usually louder and are above the convenient hearing range and cause Noise pollution. Noise pollution may also create psychological disorders apart from hearing problems since it disturbs their use of sounds in communication.

2. Light pollution

Firecrackers alter the natural light levels and affect the photo habitat of animals such as birds, owls etc. Over illumination and light clutter (grouping of many lights) during night time is prominent in Diwali season.

 

3. Injury

Most people leave burnt firecrackers are not disposed properly and left on the road. The probability of animals especially dogs which have the habit of sniffing stepping on these burnt crackers and getting injured is high.

4. Disorientation

Animals may hide inside the home out of fear.  They may also run out of their home due to stress. There are many incidents in which such animals are killed in road accidents. Animals may get disoriented and forget their way home. Birds may find it difficult to return to their nest and may fly into buildings. Thus there is a chance of increase in orphaned birds after Diwali.

5. Food

Pets may be terrified by the sight of firecrackers. They may react madly and injure themselves. Certain animals eat the remnants of the firecrackers and suffer from digestion problems. It is also said that there is a significant change in the lifestyle of animals due to firecrackers. For example, feeding time of certain species is reduced, some pets become afraid to go out.

Sadly, few of us realize that the firecrackers used on Diwali are mostly made by very young children. Since the substances being handled are extremely toxic many of these child laborers get sick and die in their early teenage years. 

The fact that Diwali is nearing was felt yesterday not because of the excitement for the festival but due to the irritation in breathing caused by the smoke that erupted from the firecrackers. The scene is the same in every locality in India. The presence of light in Diwali is overshadowed by the shoddy smell of the harmful smoke and the unbearable sound of crackers.