Diwali is the festival of lights and is a time for a gala celebration, family gatherings, & spreading joy. However, it is also essential to ensure that this festive time does not lead to any kind of environmental damage or unfortunate accidents. By celebrating in an eco-friendly & safe way, we can wisely protect both ourselves and the planet. Here are a few tips to help you enjoy a safe & green Diwali.
1. Opt for Eco-Friendly Decorations
Instead of using plastic decorations that harm the environment, choose natural & biodegradable options like clay diyas, organic lanterns, & paper garlands. You can also use fresh flowers, leaves, & homemade rangoli using natural colors like turmeric & rice flour. This not only gives your home a very beautiful & traditional look but also helps reduce plastic waste.
2. Say No to Crackers
Crackers are a major source of air & noise pollution during the festival of Diwali. Consider celebrating without them or, if you must, opt for green crackers that are made using environmentally friendly materials & produce fewer harmful emissions. A cracker-free Diwali is not only beneficial for the environment but also largely helps in reducing noise pollution, keeping pets & elderly people safe from distress.
3. Use Energy-Efficient Lighting
One of the key elements of Diwali is lighting up homes. Instead of using traditional bulbs that consume a lot of electricity, switch to LED lights that are energy-efficient & last longer. LED lights can save up to 80% of energy as compared to conventional lighting, making your Diwali celebrations more sustainable. Additionally, turn off the lights when not required to conserve energy.
4. Avoid Single-Use Plastics
During Diwali, plastic is often used for the purpose of packaging, decoration, & gifting. Choose reusable, recyclable materials like cloth bags, glass containers, or wooden trays for packaging & gifts. This will significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste that is generated during the festival & contribute to a cleaner environment.
5. Opt for Organic Sweets and Gifts
Diwali, the festival of lights and joy is incomplete without sweets & gifts. While selecting these items, go for organic or homemade products. Organic sweets, free from harmful chemicals & preservatives, are healthier for you and your family. Similarly, gifting plants, eco-friendly products, or reusable items promotes sustainability & reduces waste.
6. Dispose of Waste Responsibly
During the festival of Diwali, a lot of waste is generated, especially from packaging & decorations. You necessarily need to make sure you dispose of your waste properly by separating biodegradable waste from non-biodegradable items. Recycle wherever possible & avoid burning waste, which can largely contribute to air pollution.
By making conscious choices during this Diwali, we can very well celebrate in a way that is both safe & eco-friendly, protecting our environment & ensuring the festival brings joy to everyone. Let’s make this Diwali a celebration of not just light, but sustainability too that would protect our environment and give a brighter future to our future generations!
