Wind speeds will be very low in most places on New Year’s Day, meaning that pollution from fireworks will linger and air quality will be low in areas where many fireworks are set off, the Icelandic Met Office reports.
Firework sales are the main source of fundraising for Iceland’s volunteer-run Search and Rescue organisations. Setting them off on New Year’s Eve is an Icelandic tradition, but has become a subject of debate in recent years due to its polluting effects.
Read More: No Smoke Without Fireworks
Besides buying fireworks, those who wish to support ICE-SAR can purchase seedlings to be planted in Iceland or simply donate directly to the organisation.
