Green Diwali

The festival of Diwali spells warmth and joy- large family gatherings, feasting on delicious food and sweets, colourful rangoli and bright fireworks that light up the sky. This is definitely a special festival for one and all- however. It is also a festival which wreaks havoc on environment.

Diwali is a highly polluting festival, starting with the fire crackers which cause air and noise pollution, the chemical laced rangoli powders which poison the soil and the excessive use of plastic for decorating and wrapping purposes. As conscious citizens we must enjoy the festival in all its spirit and colour, yet rationalise the traditions to make them more friendly and safe for the environment. To ensure that your festivities are also gentle on the environment, here are some hints on how to celebrate Diwali n an eco-friendly manner.

Rangoli, but naturally

Beautiful rangolis can be even lovelier if they take into consideartion the environment. Say no to the toxic, artificial powders. Use natural colours such as turmeric for yellow, rice flour for white, coffee powder for brown and kumkum for red. Use flowers and leaves for colourful natural touch. It looks beautiful and guests just love it. After Diwali, this trash can go into compost big.

Say no to Plastic

Plastic crops up in the most unexpected places during Diwali. Plastic decorations have become common place, but are non-biodegradable and should be avoided. Instead, use natural decorations such as flowers and leaves. Also serve food to guests not in plastic plates but on leaves.

Let there be Light

Diwali is known as the festival of lights- so make the right choices here. Picking oil diyas over candles is an eco-friendly option as diyas can be reused multiple times and are made from earth friendly materials. Avoid those diyas which are painted with harsh chemical colours, Conversely, candles are for one time use and being petroleum based, release harmful toxins into the air when burnt. Lanterns made from recycled paper are a great idea. With an eye to minimizing waste, put up durable festival lamps which can be reused every year. Further electric lights can inflat your electricity bills.

Opt for eco-friendly crackers

Crackers should be avoided at first, but for children markets are now lined up with a variety of eco-friendly crackers. These kinds of crackers , being less explosive, lessen the pollution and are also cheaper. Moreover, these green fireworks are safe for children. They are made of recycled paper and stuffed with leaves. The noise produced by these crackers is also within the decibel limits set by the Central Pollution Control Board.

Light a Bonfire

Take the community children for a walk in the neighbourhood and collect dry leaves, grass and twigs. Then celebrate the festival of lights by lighting a bonfire on the terrace or in an open space and serve home made sweets and sherbets.

Use Balloons to Burst

Fill colourful balloons with flowers and leaves or small bright colour papers. Spend the evening bursting them with your family and friends.

Gift Usable Products

Festival come along with the tradition of gifting among family members and friends, but consuming excess of sweets, nuts and chocolates is unhealthy. Instead choose herbal, environment friendly and usable gifts like traditional candles, lamps and household items like crockery etc.

Recycle Old Stuff

Diwali is the time for de-cluttering your homes, but instead of dumping the unwanted stuff, recycle them. Else one can donate old stuff like clothes, shoes etc. to less privileged ones rather than dumping them as waste.

By: Dr. Bhawana Asnani.

Happy to see Reviews, Additions, Suggestions and Comments, further.