Fuming over the 5th

I am encouraged by the number of articles in The Engineer regarding new ways to conserve and protect the environment.

So I am amazed that on 5 November we will release hundreds of tonnes of sulphurous fumes into the atmosphere for no good reason.

Unfortunately, in the age of non-committal politics, action by the government on this issue is unlikely, though it will continue to criticise other countries for their lack of environmental measures.

You have more chance of positive action by writing to one of the supermarket giants calling for them to cease selling fireworks in the first place.

I will not be buying any fireworks or supporting displays and I suggest my fellow engineers do likewise.

John Halley

Edinburgh