"Product Originates from the Soviet Union"
In the autumnal hues of September, the red-eyed vireo continues to serenade the forest, a testament to nature's resilience. Meanwhile, in a stark contrast, the forest echoes with the sound of gunfire as shooting trials for the 2028 Games in Los Angeles commence. The sport, with its disciplines of trap and skeet, raises concerns about its environmental impact, particularly the use of lead pellets and plastic wads from shooting cartridges.
Originally, the "clay pigeons" were small flying saucers made of baked clay, replacing live birds in the sport of shooting. Today, they are usually composed of a mixture of limestone and petroleum pitch bound by lignosulfonate. This composition, however, presents a problem, as petroleum pitch releases polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) into the environment.
The concern about the long-term effects of lead pellets, particularly their presence in seven generations, has been a topic of discussion. A cartridge of lead shot No. 8 disintegrates completely upon hitting its target, making it disappear without a trace. Yet, the potential for lead pellets to remain on site and contaminate the environment is a cause for concern.
The author compares the disturbance caused by shooting to a heavy storm that falls on the forest. This disturbance, coupled with the environmental impact, has led to questions about the sustainability of clay pigeon shooting. The author questions whether it is possible to create a more environmentally friendly version of the sport.
One potential solution lies in the manufacturing of cartridges with "wad skirts" made of natural fibers. Another promising development comes from companies like Bioball, Green Innovations, and EcoAmmo, who produce environmentally friendly clay pellet shots made from potato starch and grain flour that fully biodegrade within two to six years.
The author also expresses concern about the historical association of shooting with cruel sports like cockfighting and dogfighting, and the ban on live pigeon shooting in the Olympics in 1900 due to the large number of sacrificed pigeons.
The author's views, presented in the Opinion section of Le Devoir, reflect a call for change in the sport of shooting. The concern about the disturbance caused to wildlife and the environmental impact of lead pellets and plastic wads from shooting cartridges are issues that demand attention and action. As we move forward, it is crucial to consider the long-term effects of our actions and strive for a more sustainable future.
In a surprising twist, even in the world of shooting, hitting a target on the first shot is satisfying, but hitting it with the second barrel of a superposed gun after missing the first shot is equally satisfying. Perhaps, this duality mirrors the challenge of balancing tradition with sustainability in the modern world.
