u/expressbroyo

How come nobody cares?

I’m sitting here in the midst of the nonstop fireworks and having an emotional breakdown. Why doesn’t anyone seem to care about the impact these fireworks have on our planet, the wildlife, first responders, etc.?

I just feel like we’re so far gone….

‼️From Google, please read:

“Yes, fireworks cause significant damage to wildlife.
The loud explosions and sudden flashes cause panic and disorientation, often leading to mass abandonment of nests, fatal collisions with buildings or power lines, and deadly exposure to toxic chemical debris.

The toll on wild animals is profound and impacts multiple species in several ways:

• Avian Panic and Collisions: Sudden bursts of light and noise often frighten roosting birds, causing them to flee their nests en masse.

Because fireworks occur at night, birds can become disoriented, leading to mass collisions with structures or exhausting themselves until they perish.

• Abandoned Young: Many fireworks displays happen during the spring and summer breeding season. When wildlife parents flee in a blind panic, they can abandon their dens or nests, leaving dependent offspring to suffer from starvation, dehydration, or predation.

Toxic Debris and Pollution: The smoke and fallout of fireworks release toxic chemicals, heavy metals, and unburned propellant into the environment. Debris left on the ground can be mistaken for food by both waterbirds and land animals, resulting in ingestion and poisoning.

• Fleeing into Danger: Small mammals and prey species (like rabbits and deer) will instinctively run away from the perceived threat. Blind panic often drives animals into roadways where they face a higher risk of being struck by vehicles.

Air Quality Degradation: Nationwide celebrations cause a massive spike in airborne pollutants. On the morning after major holidays like the Fourth of July, national fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels spike by an average of 42%.

Microplastic Accumulation: Modern fireworks use plastic casings and components. A study featured by the BBC tracked a 1,000% spike in river microplastics over a 24-hour period following major metropolitan displays.”

…not to mention all of the litter left behind on the streets. The whole thing just disgusts me. Selfish humans-all for the “love” of our country…please. 🙄

"Man, do not pride yourself on your superiority to the animals... you defile the earth wherever you appear and leave an ignoble trail behind you." 🌎🥺💔
Fyodor Dostoyevsky, The Brothers Karamazov

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u/expressbroyo — 1 day ago

Antisocial (not lonely?)-almost 9 months sober

I’m approaching 9-months of sobriety off of ALL substances (cold turkey) minus caffeine.

Adderall and weed were my drugs of choice-used Adderall everyday for almost 6 years and weed for the last 15 years (roughly 80% of the time).

For the last 9 months, I have had ZERO desire to socialize. I don’t want to be around anyone (including my friends and family). Like, at all. I also don’t feel lonely in this chronic state of solitude…I actually prefer/enjoy it.

I can’t tell if this is an underlying mental health issue or part of the withdrawal.

Anyone else experience this? Would love to hear thoughts/feedback/other people’s experiences.

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u/expressbroyo — 15 days ago

7 months free

I am finally feeling a small sense of motivation coming back. Still feel horrible about my weight gain (20 pounds) in sobriety.

Anxiety is not gone, but is getting better…in the beginning of my recovery, even going to the store felt too overwhelming. Now, I am able to push myself to go out in public places.

I still feel lapses in my memory-difficulty with my recall.

But, I started a new job and I have been really trying to push myself to hike more and increase sunlight exposure. These things help me immensely.

I grieve the body & motivation I once had, even though I know I wasn’t healthy.

However, I am happy that I am finally ME. It feels like I get closer to figuring out who I am on a core level every single day. This is both hard to deal with & satisfying.

I have had to come to terms with the fact that I spent a large part of my addiction “overriding” my own intuition/emotions/physical deficits. Now, I’m making up for lost time.

Every time I add another sober day to the calendar, I know I’m becoming more aligned with my self-my actual interests, feelings, thoughts…and yes, even my shortcomings (mental and physical).

I view this as a ‘win,’ even if it doesn’t feel like it (in the moment). Now, I actually am IN TUNE with my body/mind & can work to address the parts of myself that need improvement (instead of just masking them with a pill).

Onwards and upwards. ☀️

Wishing you all strength, love, and peace. 🙏

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u/expressbroyo — 2 months ago