Not all traditions are good! An eco-unfriendly custom was prevented in Nevytske

This was reported by a resident of Nevytske, activist, who introduces new rules of positive waste handling and initiates the campaign "Clean Nevytske", Volodymyr Tsyhyka.

He wrote on his facebook:

"Thanks to the active position of concerned residents of Nevytske, we have managed to prevent the shameful tradition of burning tires on Easter!

The tradition of Easter bonfire has ancient roots. 

Young people would make the fire somewhere on a hill outside the village or on the street near the church, so that it could be seen from everywhere in the village, and even better from neighboring villages.

For this bonfire, they would cut a dry oak or a dry willow in the forest or meadow "because the devil hides in a dry tree." That is, burning of dry wood symbolized the destruction of evil forces! In the modern industrial era, the tradition was distorted to burning of tires! Unfortunately, the custom to burn tires on the night of Easter for decades has been living in our village too. Despite numerous complaints of local residents about the harmful impact of such "tradition" on human health and the environment, they were unable to prevent it. Only this year, thanks to joint efforts of concerned villagers and with the support of local government and the village head, we managed to stop this abuse of human health and environment!

In the picture, you can see the pile of tires, which was brought by boys to the river, the recreation area, where locals swim, sunbathe and have picnics in summer. In the picture 3 – a truck loaded with these tires (about 100 pieces). Can you estimate how much toxic and carcinogenic substances could have been emitted into the atmosphere after burning so many tires!

PS The young men, who were going to burn the tires, were very discontent with such actions of the local authorities. They were offered next year to restore the tradition of Easter bonfire in its original form, that is by burning dry wood. I hope that by the next year their hot heads will have cooled down, and the tradition will be preserved, along with the health of people and the environment!".