A man from the central province of Henan devised a solution to every Chinese’s dilemma every Lunar New Year between protecting the environment and welcoming the New Year through the customary fireworks displays.
Wang Xinming answered the annual issue of environmentalists and traditionalists in China after he invented the "green firecracker," a firecracker which does not pollute the air but remains a powerful and loud addition to the festivities during the opening of the Spring Festival every Lunar New Year.
"My invention is not powered by explosives or electricity. My firecracker is safe and environmentally friendly," explained Wang, who is a 29-year-old employee of an oil company.
His invention, whose patent has already been approved July last year, is mainly made of plastic. Production of the noise-maker costs about 150 yuan, or about $25 per unit.
After it is filled with air through a cavity, users only need to press a button which opens a small hole where the injected compressed air is released.
The expulsion of the pressurized air in such a small opening makes the explosive sound, much like that of a firecracker.
Traditional firecrackers, which are mainly explosives that contain flash powder or black powder, are commonly blamed for introducing pollutants in the air that become dust, sulfur dioxide and the ever-present smog.
However, Chinese traditions indicate that lighting firecrackers upon welcoming the upcoming Lunar New Year would fend off evil spirits as well as bad luck because of its loud sound.
With Wang's invention, Chinese customs could still be followed minus the worry of aggravating the already worrisome case of air pollution in the country.