The 2023, let’s reflect on celebrating Diwali — an occasion symbolising the triumph of good over evil and new beginnings — with conscious, eco-friendly decisions. So, ditch the loud crackers and calculations of planning a Diwali party, and pick up these easy ways to dial down the carbon footprint of your Diwali celebrations, and take its charm a few notches up.
How To Make Diwali Eco-friendly?
Eco-friendly Diwali Decoration
Diyas Made By Local Artisans Instead Of Candles Or Electric Lights
Somewhere along the line, humble clay diyas got overshadowed by glitzy fairy lights and fancy candles. But we tend to forget that a lot of livelihoods depend on this inexpensive diyas. Not only are these diyas biodegradable, but they are also reusable. And of course, it saves electricity! As for some other options, you can use the wheat dough, orange peels and coconut shells for DIY diyas.
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Use Upcycled Decor
Decorations are one of the first things that come to mind before Diwali. Squeeze some time out from your office schedule to make some cool Pinterest-y upcycled decor. However, if you’re not too keen on DIY-ing, invest responsibly by buying local and plastic-free elements.
Eco-Friendly Rangoli Kolam Or Alpana Style Instead Of Using Harmful Colours
Before chemical colours took over the market, fresh flowers, rice, dals, and pulses were used to make rangolis. These elements would later be the feed for birds, small insects, ants, etc. In South India and West Bengal, kolam and alpona are drawn by hand, which are by their nature way more eco-friendly than artificial colours. This year, take a trip back in time and bring your family together to draw the rangoli. Here are a few alternatives:
- Yellow – Pulses or turmeric
- Brown – Cloves
- Green – Cardamom and fennel seeds
- Red – Dried chillies or kumkum
- White – Rice grains or rice flour paste for kolam
Eco-friendly Gifting
Let’s admit, gifts are one of the most exciting parts of Diwali, other than the sweets and snacks, of course. Now that you already have eco-friendly diyas and upcycled decor, you might as well stick to the theme for gifts. There are many options when it comes to picking plastic-free gifts. Plant saplings, handmade soaps, jute bags, handmade accessories, upcycled clothes and solar-powered gadgets, to name a few. The options are endless! Remember to pack them in paper instead of shiny wrapping plastic.
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Eco-friendly Celebrations
This Diwali is all about going the extra mile to make everything even more memorable. This year, let your home be infused with the smell of ghee and sweets and bhujiya as you take out your chef’s hat and huddle around the boondi to roll out laddoos by hand.
Related: 29 Desserts From 29 States In India To Make Your Diwali Utterly ‘Sweet’ This Season!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
While air pollution raises the risk of cancers and respiratory ailments, noise pollution leads to deafness and ear trauma. Dry waste lends to an increase in global warming. And thus, environmentalists and health experts call for a pollution-free, eco-friendly Diwali.
— How can I celebrate an eco-friendly Diwali?
Light diyas and non-toxic candles, exchange handmade gifts, use recycled gift wraps, make rangoli using natural colours, and avoid firecrackers.
— What are some eco-friendly decoration ideas for Diwali?
Consider creating your own decor using recycled materials at home. Make lanterns out of newspaper, diyas using clay, rangoli with compositable flower petals and non-toxic colours, opt for energy-efficient LED lights instead of traditional incandescent ones, and more.
— Are there eco-friendly alternatives to traditional Diwali fireworks?
Seed crackers resemble fire crackers in appearance. But, instead of gun powder, they are rooted with live seeds that are ready to be sowed. They are environment-friendly, pollution free and rejuvenate the habitats of birds and animals.
— How can I reduce energy consumption during Diwali celebrations?
While traditional oil lamps are also energy efficient, those looking to put up lights can opt for energy-efficient LED lights or solar-powered lighting solutions to reduce energy consumption.
— Where can I find eco-friendly Diwali products and decorations?
Most eco-friendly Diwali products and decorations can be made at home. They are also easily available on online shopping websites and neighbourhood stores.
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