Every Diwali we come across a picture on our social media feeds of a lit-up India as seen from space. The entire country looks like it has been decked up with a million lights. This beautiful picture—although there is no evidence of its authenticity—brings to mind the question of environmental impact. As we approach the festive season of Diwali, a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness, it has become crucial to remember the impact of our actions on the environment.
There are many aspects and traditions of this festival of light that can have a sustainable, eco-friendly spin. For example, exchanging gifts is a beloved tradition during Diwali—be good to the earth and get conscious with your gifting choices! Opt for eco-friendly gifts and spread the festive cheer while also contributing to the well-being of our planet.
Take the DIY approach to your Diwali decor.
- Make flower garlands and lanterns with newspapers and magazines
- Use organic natural paints to color your decorations
- Use fabrics to create cool colorful backgrounds
- Use low-power LED tea lights to get the Diya effect
- Replace traditional lighting with LED lights
- Use flowers in your decor to brighten up your house and have it smell lovely
- Upcycle old containers to make flower arrangements.
- Use natural colors and flowers in your rangoli designs
- Invest in reusable decorative items
Be creative and get your thinking cap on to figure out creative and eco-friendly ways to make your home festival-ready. Diwali has significant environmental impacts due to the widespread use of fireworks, oil lamps, and other celebratory practices.
The Evidence:
- Air Pollution: The use of fireworks during Diwali increases the concentration of pollutants like PM2.5, sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in the air, leading to a spike in respiratory illnesses and reduced air quality. Studies have found that levels of particulate matter and gasses often exceed safe limits during this period.
- Noise Pollution: Firecrackers also contribute to high levels of noise pollution, which can affect human health, particularly causing stress and discomfort for vulnerable groups such as children, elderly and pets.
- Water Pollution: The use of synthetic colors during Diwali celebrations, particularly for rangoli or decorations, can end up in our water bodies contaminating and impacting aquatic life.
- Light Pollution: Excessive lighting during Diwali can lead to way too much energy consumption, wastage and light pollution. This disrupts ecosystems, especially for nocturnal animals like bats and owls.
Celebrating a Sustainable Diwali
Here are a few ways in which you can go green this Diwali.
- Embrace Eco-Friendly Diwali Gifts
Step up your gift-giving game this Diwali and express love and appreciation for your loved ones by choosing eco-friendly gifts! From sustainable products like copper or steel bottles to traditional earthen utensils or items made from materials like clay, bamboo or jute. The options are endless.
Not only do they make for delightful gifts but also win brownie points for their thoughtful usefulness. By embracing eco-friendly gift-giving, you can make a positive impact on the environment and inspire others to do the same.
- Get Thoughtful With Your Choices
Our choices during Diwali can have a lasting effect on the planet. By opting for eco-friendly gifts and sustainable ways of celebrating we can demonstrate our love for Mother Earth. Whether it's a plant-based skincare set, a handcrafted artisanal piece, or a reusable water bottle, every thoughtful gift choice contributes to a more sustainable future. Let's make a difference this Diwali by choosing gifts that will help preserve our planet for future generations.
- Spread Awareness and Inspire Change
Diwali is not just a time for revelry; it's also an opportunity to educate and inspire others to adopt eco-friendly practices. By giving sustainable gifts, we can start conversations about the importance of environmental conservation and encourage others to make conscious choices in their daily lives.
Together, we can create a ripple effect of positive change that extends far beyond the festive season.
Conclusion
Celebrating Diwali with eco-friendly gifts is a wonderful way to express our Indian values and also promote sustainability. Choose gifts that are both thoughtful and environmentally conscious, and make a difference one gift at a time. Bringing these small changes into our festive celebrations is a great way to make a meaningful impact on our planet.
PS: Say no to firecrackers.
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