Fireworks and firecrackers on sale in Beijing

Fireworks and firecrackers have long been hot items on people's shopping list during New Year celebrations in China. Starting Saturday, these items were permitted to be sold in Beijing. A new kind of environmentally friendly fireworks and firecrackers are being introduced to the market, but vendors are still worrying that business may not be good due to people's growing concerns over air pollution.

Setting off fireworks and firecrackers is a Chinese tradition, but nowadays, people have realized that it could lead to a sharp jump in the density of pollutants including the harmful PM 2.5. To help ease air pollution problem, fireworks companies claim they have come up with environmentally friendly products this year. Wei Bo is from the Marketing Department of Panda Fireworks Company in Beijing.

"This year we introduced fireworks containing zero sulfur. They not only give off less smoke but also don't produce massive paper scraps."

Wei adds that such fireworks cost more because of the different manufacturing techniques employed and filling materials used, making the price three percent higher than conventional fireworks.

However, since last year, a policy has been in place in Beijing that bans residents from setting off firecrackers when air pollution is bad to a certain degree, and sale and even transport of fireworks will be halted if air pollution is serious enough.

Wei says many salesmen are concerned about their business because of these factors.

"Many retailers or distributors are pretty cautious about their stocks. This year, their inventories have decreased by 8 to 10 percent compared to last year."

A salesman surnamed Gao works at a fireworks shop in Beijing's Shijingshan District.

"The business is almost the same as last year, but the number of people who buy fireworks is less than last year. Many people just come to inquire about the price and where they can light these firecrackers and so on. Very few eventually buy any."

Gao notes that there is increasing awareness of air protection in Beijing residents, so he has been trying to recommend the environmentally friendly fireworks.

However, as one of the passers by at Gao's fireworks stand says residents still have their own opinions about whether or not they will use fireworks and firecrackers during the upcoming Spring Festival.

"Because of the serious smog in Beijing, I think people should try not to set off fireworks, but if some people really like to celebrate the festival, I hope they could try these new and environmentally friendly products."