Eco-Friendly Diwali: Sustainable Practices for a Greener Celebration
Categories: OTHERS
India and many other areas of the world celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights, as a pleasant occasion with much fervour and enthusiasm. But the wild celebrations frequently come at a heavy environmental cost. The customs, which involve excessive trash production, noise pollution, air pollution, and the use of firecrackers and ornate decorations, all contribute to these problems.
With growing environmental awareness, it's imperative to embrace sustainable practices for a more eco-friendly Diwali celebration.
Let's celebrate Diwali in a greener manner this year. We can lessen our influence on the environment and take pleasure in a greener celebration by implementing a few easy changes.
Here are 10 sustainable practices for a Eco-Friendly Diwali celebration:
1. Use earthen diyas instead of plastic diyas.
Clay is a naturally occurring, biodegradable substance used to make earthen diyas. Alternatively, plastic diyas can contaminate the environment for hundreds of years because they are composed of non-biodegradable materials.
Pick locally produced ceramics while purchasing earthen diyas. Your purchase's carbon footprint will be decreased and the traditional pottery craft will be supported.
2. Use eco-friendly firecrackers.
Although they are a major feature of Diwali celebrations, firecrackers may be extremely damaging to the environment. Conventional firecrackers are made of dangerous chemicals that can contaminate the water and air.
If you must use firecrackers, choose for environmentally friendly models that use natural materials and emit less pollutants. Another option is to use seed crackers, which burst and release seeds into the ground to aid in the growth of new trees and plants.
3. Make your own rangoli with natural materials.
Rangoli is a vibrant form of floor art that is frequently made in honour of Diwali. Sand and coloured powders are traditionally used to create rangolis. But these substances might be bad for the environment, particularly if they end up down the sewers.
You can use natural elements like flowers, leaves, and spices to produce an eco-friendly rangoli. Organic rangoli colours are also an option; they are created using natural components.
4. Say no to plastic gift wrappers.
Another significant cause of pollution during Diwali is plastic gift wrappers. They get up in landfills because they don't biodegrade very regularly.
Steer clear of plastic gift wrappers if you want to cut back on your usage of plastic. Rather, wrap your gifts with environmentally friendly materials like cotton, banana leaves, or recycled paper. Additionally, you can adorn your gifts with organic elements like ribbons, flowers, and leaves.
5. Make your own sweets.
Diwali is a time to celebrate with food, and sweets play a major role in the festivities. On the other hand, store-bought candies frequently come in plastic packaging with artificial components.
Make your own Diwali sweets at home to lessen your influence on the environment. You have control over the ingredients and packaging in this way. Traditional recipes that have been handed down over the years can also be used.
6. Gift sustainable products.
Give eco-friendly products as a thought when selecting Diwali presents. These are low-impact products with minimal environmental impact, constructed of eco-friendly materials.
Some examples of sustainable Diwali gifts include:
a. Eco-friendly apparel and accessories
b. Handmade products from local artisans
c. Fair trade products
d. Green products for interior design
e. Plants and seeds
7. Shop locally.
Try to buy locally whenever you can while buying goods for Diwali. You'll support regional companies and lessen your carbon footprint by doing this.
8. Save energy.
Although it's a time to celebrate Diwali, we need also be conscious of how much energy we use. Here are some ideas to conserve energy on Diwali:
a. When you are not utilising lights or appliances, turn them off.
b. Use energy-efficient LED lights for your Diwali decorations.
c. Prevent the unnecessary use of air conditioners.
d. To use less energy when cooking, prepare food in bulk and freeze leftovers.
9. Compost your waste.
We produce a lot of waste during Diwali, such as leftover food, flower petals, and rangoli powder. We can compost this waste to lessen the impact we have on the environment.
Organic waste is naturally broken down into nutrient-rich soil through the process of composting. Compost has the ability to enhance soil health and fertilise plants.
10. Celebrate with your community.
Diwali is a time to celebrate with loved ones and friends. Take into consideration celebrating with your community rather than staying home. In addition to helping the environment, this is a wonderful opportunity to build relationships with your neighbours.
We may celebrate Diwali in a more environmentally responsible manner by adhering to these 10 sustainable practises. We can lessen our influence on the environment and take pleasure in a greener celebration by implementing a few easy changes.
Additional Tips for Eco-Friendly Diwali celebration
a. When you go shopping, use cloth or recyclable paper bags.
b. Avoid using disposable plates and cutlery.
c. Travel to the Diwali events by carpooling or using public transportation.
d. Donate unwanted clothes and items to charity.
Conclusion:
It's important to keep in mind our environmental responsibilities while we celebrate Diwali with joy and community. Adopting sustainable practises helps to preserve the festival's spirit and soul while also lessening its impact on the environment. By opting for eco-friendly decorations, energy-efficient lighting, noiseless alternatives, sustainable gifting, responsible waste management, and community-led initiatives, we can create a meaningful and eco-friendly Diwali celebration that not only brightens our homes but also protects our planet for future generations. This Diwali, let's make it a festival that brightens lives rather than causing environmental degradation.