Guide to Green Diwali Celebration!!
Guide to Green Diwali Celebration!!
Diwali is one of the most awaited festivals in every Indian household. Traditionally, this festival is celebrated all over India which binds family and allows people to think beyond themselves. Diwali symbolises the spiritual “victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance“.
However, over recent years, this special day is causing problems for the environment. If you started thinking about major consequences our action brings on this day, you can create some positive changes for preserving nature.
Impact of Diwali on the environment:
The ambient air quality deteriorated considerably after Diwali celebrations owing to the burning of firecrackers. The Ozone concentration showed an average increase of 57% while the nitrogen oxide and black carbon in the atmosphere increased almost three times, compared to a normal day.The level of suspended particles in the air increases alarmingly which can be associated with eye, respiratory, and allergic problems. Crackers and fireworks were found to be the chief sources of air pollution during festivals in India.
It is not just the environment that is affected, even infants and the elderly find it difficult to adjust to the high decibel levels of firecrackers. Not to mention the plight of pets. Most animals and birds experience trauma during the loud celebrations.
There are many small ways in which you can bring back tradition, culture, and sensitivity in our day-to-day life. If you want to make a change and celebrate Diwali greener , now is the right time.
What is Green Diwali?
You must be thinking, “What is green Diwali?”. In simple words, green Diwali is a way of celebrating the festival of lights by ensuring minimum damage to the environment especially due to firecrackers.
The bursting of firecrackers not only causes pollution but is also detrimental to the health of people. Due to air pollution, many people suffer from different types of pollution-related ailments during this festive season.n Now the question is, how to celebrate eco-friendly Diwali? Here are a few ways to celebrate Diwali in a green and clean manner. Take a look:
1. Use Traditional Diyas:
There was a time when the market was flooded with diyas made from wax, plastic, foam, fiber and the likes, but most of these items are not biodegradable. They end up in landfills and harm the environment in the long run. While some of these items are banned today, others are still available as cheaper easier options. You could make a conscious choice towards environment friendly diyas. Opt for clay diyas – buy some to support the livelihood of potters or get creative and make some for yourself and your family! After all it would be a perfect gift – handmade with love!
Pro Tip: These earthen lamps are available in beautiful patterns & shapes. Or you can also paint them in vibrant colours or traditional designs.
2. Say Yes to Green Crackers:
The Supreme court has banned many kinds of firecrackers as it is hazardous to the environment and people’s health. The Nitrous Oxide emitted from these crackers gets released into the air and disperses with strong winds. But Diwali is incomplete without crackers, especially for children.
So, to keep the bursting joy and combat the situation of maintaining the livelihood of those depending on the cracker industry, various certified brands have introduced Green crackers in the market. They are eco-friendly and safe for the environment. The fumes from these firecrackers have a less harmful effect on an individual’s health. Green crackers examples include flower pots, pencils, sparklers, maroons, bombs, chakkar, etc.
Pro Tip: You can also opt for seed crackers to celebrate eco-friendly Diwali, a perfect alternative to these firecrackers. These seed crackers burst into plants without any health hazards.
3. Prepare Sweets & Meals at Home Rather Than Buying From Outside:
To give the taste factor, there may be lots of sugar and ghee added in sweets which are prepared outside. Preparing sweets and food at home during festivals is important as you can add ingredients as per your requirement. Sweets like coconut barfi, rava laddu, besan laddoos are easy to prepare at home. Try to avoid expensive crockery for serving food, instead serve all delicious food and sweets using banana leaves.
Pro Tip: If we prepare our own sweets along with our loved ones ,will give us more joy than ever. And also it will minimize the plastic waste produced by buying packaged sweets from outside.
4. Say No To Plastic Gift Wrappings:
This Diwali, exchange happy Green Diwali wishes through gifts wrapped in your old sarees or fancy fabrics instead of glossy plastic wrappers. Plastic is a non-biodegradable waste and harmful to the environment. Instead, use biodegradable bags.
Pro Tip : By doing this, you can add a personalised touch to your gifts as well as save the n environment. You can also opt for painted newspapers to give your gifts a customised look.
5. Save Electricity Consumption:
Home decoration is a vital part of the entire Diwali celebration. People decorate their homes with fancy lights, and lamps that consume electricity. If you are looking for ways how to celebrate eco-friendly Diwali, you can improvise your decoration by opting for solar decoration lights available in the market.
Pro Tip: if you are using lights, make sure they are LED or include traditional clay diyas or earthen lamps.
6. Donate Your Old Things:
Rather than throwing your things while cleaning your wardrobe, donate them to less privileged. The things will be reused thus reducing wastage. You can also give them a few firecrackers. This gesture will certainly be appreciated and bring a smile on their faces!
Pro Tip: Giving is more impactful than ever. Bring More Meaning to Your Life in this auspicious occasion.
Conclusion:
So, now you know how to celebrate eco-friendly Diwali without harming the environment or compromising your festive mood. It is all about utilizing the traditional principles of sustainability ie. recycle, renovate, and reinvent. Let’s not damage the environment to enjoy a few hours of celebrations. Apply these Green Diwali ideas this year and contribute towards safe surroundings. Happy Sustainable Diwali!!