As we gear up for the festival of lights, Diwali, there is a magical twist we will be exploring - celebrating Diwali without harming the nature and surroundings.
India is famous for its year-round festivals, which makes the nation traditionally remarkable. The season of festivities is all about happiness, celebration, joy, and family time. Often, growing environmental concern is overlooked in the festive atmosphere. As per recent report by Airvoice, an air quality control startup, “pollution caused by Diwali firecrackers surged by a staggering 875 % in some regions of the country”. In some regions, irreversible changes are observed too. Can you do something for nature at a personal level? Of course, you can. As Diwali is celebration of triumph of good over evil, let's take a pledge to enjoy this season while taking care of nature. Following are some important tips to achieve that.
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Say no to toxic and smelly candles or electrical diyas to decorate your house. Instead, you can use earthen lamps or non-toxic candles this Diwali to reduce the pollution level in your locality. It will reduce your monthly electric bill too while enhancing aesthetic appeal of the home. Use incense sticks (Agarbatti) prepared from organic materials and fresh flowers replacing toxic paraffin wax based candles with artificial air fresheners.
Diwali is all about gifting items to friends, families or colleagues. Consequently, the sale of gifts increase both online and malls. However, you can be the change by your choices. This year, send handmade gifts prepared with natural and organic materials. The items should be environment friendly and renewable. Opt for organic products like soaps, creams, artworks, handicraft items, decorative goods, and so on. Avoid plastic bags to send the gifts and choose reusable containers.
Friends and family members gather together to celebrate diwali. A Diwali get together is incomplete without a feast. Let's ditch those plastic plates and embrace biodegradable plates or banana leaves. These items are eco-friendly and prepared with renewable resources.
Decorating houses with beautiful rangolis is an essential part of Diwali. Those colourful designs make our houses look lovely. However, for a long time, we have been using synthetic colours which are harmful for both human bodies and nature. It is extremely dangerous for patients suffering with respiratory issues and skin diseases. This Diwali, use colours prepared from original flowers only.
Why India's air quality decreases after Diwali? The sole reason is excessive use of firecrackers. For reducing air and noise pollution, say no to firecrackers this year. Instead, enjoy the beautiful Diwali evening by bonding with loved ones, playing dumb charades.
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During cleaning our houses before Diwali, we tend to throw old clothes or rarely use items to dump sites, which lead to massive pollution. The best way to reduce it, donate to to needy people. There are many websites helping in recycling those household materials. Prepare a new clothes using those old clothes.
On this special occasion, ensure having a gala time, but never forget your moral responsibility of protecting the environment. Do not add any existing burden on your surroundings to feel suffocated, rather choose eco-friendly options.
