That gorgeous time of the year rolls around again. With the festive spirit and enthusiasm on a high, we’re busy celebrating our traditions, catching up with friends, and participating in the merriment of the Festival of Lights.
However, in recent years, the festival has increasingly become a brunt on the environment, contributing to air and sound pollution, thus dimming the quality of our lives.
If we think about the far-reaching consequences that our actions bring on this day, we may be able to create some positive changes that will benefit every being and lead to a brighter festival.
As the Supeme Court this year decides to ban crackers this year in the Delhi and National Capital Region, it is time to come together to celebrate an eco-friendly Diwali and do our bit.
Here are 7 ways to celebrate a pollution-free, joyful, and Majestique Diwali.
1. Say a big ‘NO’ to crackers
Crackers are loud, dangerous and just add to the already existing air pollution. They are also disturbing to children, the elderly, and animals.
If you must burst crackers, do so responsibly.
2. Use earthen diyas
Ditch the electric lights for traditional diyas. This way, you won’t just be saving the environment, you will also be supporting local artisans who make these diyas.
3. Make rangolis with organic colours
Colourful and intricate rangolis round up that festive look in your house. This time, choose organic colours over chemical ones. You can even create one using flowers and leaves.
4. Skip the Plastic Home Decor
The sight of an Akash-kandil hanging over the door awakens the festive spirit in all of us. However, you don’t have to always go shopping for your home decor during Diwali. The internet is full of creative DIY ideas, making for fun projects that help you bond with friends and family.
5. Make a Donation
Diwali is a time when we are out with the old and in with the new. During your de-cluttering activities at home, make sure you sort out your old and unwanted things for the poor. Making the underprivileged happy is one of the best ways to celebrate Diwali.
6. Ditch plastic for packaging gifts or food
Exchanging gifts, cooking delicacies, and feasting on the snacks – both sweet and savoury, are inseperable from the charm of Diwali. However, bear in mind to opt for handmade paper while wrapping gifts and packaging food items during the festivities.
7. Discard waste responsibly
From crackers to home decor, festivals produce a huge amount of waste. This Diwali, make an effort to separate bio-degradable and non-bio degradable waste. Take the effort to clean up your society/locality after the celebrations are over.
