Diwali has a special place in everyone’s heart and we all have several childhood memories associated with this beautiful festival of lights. This festival is symbolic of the victory of light over darkness, good over evil and hopes over despair. However, the celebration of this festival has raised several concerns related to environmental health. It is the duty of each one of us to work towards environment conservation and therefore, this Diwali, lets’ dive into the eco-friendly ways to celebrate Diwali without harming the environment. Here are five ways to celebrate a greener Diwali:
Say No to Firecrackers: The problem of poor air quality in northern India has raised serious concern about the ill effects of air pollution. The burning of firecrackers can be an enjoyable experience but it leads to air pollution destroying the air quality that eventually causes myriads of diseases. It also leads to noise pollution which eventually is a serious concern for children, senior citizens and even animals. Though a lot of innovation is happening and there are better and sustainable choices like green crackers or even seeded crackers that can be sown and grown into a plant. Many startups are working for sustainable alternatives that offer eco-friendly seeded bombs that help you in increasing the green cover.
Read to know more about eco-friendly seeded bomb: http://theearthview.in/21fools-makes-your-diwali-greener-with-beej-patakha/
Ditch your plastic bags for shopping: Plastic is an extremely toxic substance that is harmful to the earth and the inhabitants. The adverse effects of plastic on marine lives, landfills are known to most of us. The government has even banned single-use plastic in India. Diwali is a festival that requires shopping a lot. However, this year ensure that you are not using any plastic bags, instead of that carry your cloth or jute bags whenever you go shopping.
Read to know more about the decomposable wrapping paper and eco-friendly bags:http://theearthview.in/this-diwali-surprise-someone-special-with-eco-friendly-packaging-by-surprise-someone/
Instead of lights, use earthen diyas: Diwali is the festival of light and even traditionally it is the festival of lighting diyas. However, for many years, the light bulbs have replaced the diyas. Its time to switch back to our roots and use earthen diyas that are easily decomposable instead of lights that are made up of plastic and also consume energy. You can use eco-friendly diyas made up of cow dung which is available in the market or even try making one at home with wheat flour. If you buy earthen diyas, you are not only making a sustainable choice but also helping the local potters earn a little money and a smile.
Gift Better: Gifting is a very integral part of the celebration during Diwali. This time, let us choose sustainable options for gifting and send across a message of eco-friendly Diwali to even our loved ones. Instead of gifting sweets and chocolates, let opt for a sapling or seeded idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha that grows into a beautiful plant and make this environment greener and better.
For a more sustainable and eco-friendly gifting option, read the following blogs: http://theearthview.in/gift-green-diy-diwali-gift-box-by-sow-and-grow/
Instead of chemical-based colours, use natural colours for Rangoli: This Diwali, instead of buying chemical-based colours that are highly toxic, you can use natural colour from your kitchen for Rangoli. For eg: For white colour, use rice, for yellow, orange, red and green use lentils and legumes present in the kitchen. You can also use flowers to make rangolis, as they are easily decomposable.
So this Diwali, lets go green and spread only love without harming environment.
The EarthView wishes a very happy and green Diwali to all its readers and urge everyone to celebrate this festival of lights with care for environment!!