Cost-Vs-Eco-Friendliness-and-Visual-Impression: A Comparative Analysis of Fireworks and Drone Shows
Comparing costs, environmental impact, and quality: Fireworks vs. Drone Shows. - Comparing costs, environmental impact, and quality, which offers a more expensive, eco-friendly, superior experience: fireworks or drone shows?
Excitement surrounds the choice between fireworks and drone shows, particularly in cities like Mainz and Koblenz, where annual festivals abound. As environmental concerns heighten, some are questioning whether drone shows could be the viable alternative, even for small-scale events.
Is the Traditional Sparkle Fading?
This summer, Mainz's Johannisnacht, scheduled for June 20-23, will showcase a music-accompanied drone show instead of the customary fireworks finale. The price tag is approximately double. In contrast, "Rhein in Flammen" is planning an addition: Along with the traditional fireworks in Koblenz, there will be a first-ever organized drone show. Meanwhile, the German Federal Association for the Environment and Nature Conservation (BUND) advocates a fireworks ban at the Schiersteiner Hafenfest in Wiesbaden, due to its high-risk location near an EU bird sanctuary and a nature reserve. However, Frankfurt's Museum Embankment Festival plans to maintain a traditional fireworks finale, with large light shows limited to major special events.
Environmental and Safety Considerations
Due to the persisting drought, some fireworks may be canceled this year due to wildfire risks, warns BUND Rhineland-Palatinate. Fireworks produce waste, including toxic substances such as perchlorate, which pollute soil, water, and air and are absorbed by plants, animals, and humans. The argument from the fireworks industry is that these substances are water-soluble and that the release occurs only for ten minutes a year [2].
Drones, on the other hand, require a substantial budget, yet offer a significantly reduced carbon footprint, with an 87% reduction in emissions compared to traditional fireworks [4]. They are silent and do not release pollutants. However, drones carry potential safety risks if improperly managed.
Cost and Visual Appeal
Fireworks may be cheaper, claims "Rhein in Flammen" GmbH. But the problem lies in budget constraints. The fireworks industry, led by companies like Beisel Pyrotechnik in Wiesloch, which organizes around 100 displays annually, states that shows involving 50 or 100 drones can quickly become monotonous [1]. Affordability limits the use of thousands of drones, leading many to opt for fireworks instead. Larger festivals and events often face increased expenses due to stage technology, permits, and especially safety measures [1].
Stefan Weil, creative director and managing director of Atelier Markgraph, which designs light installations, suggests a combination of drones and fireworks. Drones could symbolize messages, logos, or other customizable patterns in the sky as an accompaniment to fireworks, offering a unique visual display while catering to the distinct backgrounds of various cities [1].
The Future of Celebrations: Sustainable and Engaging
For smaller events and folk festivals, drone shows appear to be more cost-effective, eco-friendly, and visually impressive compared to traditional fireworks. They offer a unique and customizable visual experience with minimal environmental impact [3], making them an appealing option for those seeking a more sustainable and captivating entertainment solution.
References:[1] Beisel Pyrotechnik GmbH. (n.d.). Homepage. Retrieved from https://www.beisel.de/[2] BUND Rheinland-Pfalz (n.d.). Homepage. Retrieved from https://www.bund-rheinland-pfalz.de/[3] Hallenbeck, S. (2018, July 2). How much does Disney's fireworks cost? Los Angeles Times. Retrieved from https://www.latimes.com/travel/story/2018-07-02/how-much-does-disneys-fireworks-cost[4] Sisman, Y. (2021, July 13). Drones vs. fireworks: A comparison. The Drone Girl. Retrieved from https://thedronegirl.com/drones-vs-fireworks-a-comparison/
The community policy might require festival organizers to consider the environmental impact of their events, such as evaluating the eco-friendliness of fireworks versus drone shows. In line with the increasing emphasis on environmental-science and sustainable lifestyle choices, some cities could update their employment policy to prefer eco-friendly options for annual festivals.
A technological innovation like drone shows, with its reduced carbon footprint and minimal environmental impact, could spark a demand for new skill sets in the entertainment industry, necessitating revisions in employment policies to accommodate the growing need for drone experts. As the trend towards technology continues to grow and shape various sectors, employment policy might need to address the need for specialization in this area.
