7 eco-friendly ways to celebrate Diwali

Diwali, the festival of lights, is a time we all love because we get to celebrate with our families and bring a joy of togetherness. However, as we bask in the glow of diyas and indulge in some season delights, it is important to reflect on the impact of firecrackers on the environment. With the world grappling with pressing ecological concerns, making this Diwali eco-friendly is not a choice but a responsibility we all must understand. So, what are you waiting for? Let us tell you some significant ways in which you can plan a green Diwali!

Why is there a need to celebrate an eco-friendly Diwali?

Diwali is associated with lights and firecrackers, which cause a lot of air and noise pollution. It can have dire consequences on people with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary (COPD), and other respiratory conditions, explains Dr Baghel. Not only that, it can be extremely harmful for kids to breathe in the air with so many toxicities in it, says Dr Paritosh Baghel, Senior Consultant-Internal Medicine, SL Raheja Hospital Mahim, A Fortis Associate.

In the last few years, there has been an increase in cases related to Asthma, Allergic Rhinitis, and Bronchitis during the Diwali period. People who suffer from these health issues must take all relevant precautions and stay indoors, especially if being outdoors can trigger their condition. Also, small children and older people are the most affected by the noise and smoke pollution, so relevant precautions must be taken by them as well, adds the expert.

Also Read: Beware of asthma during Diwali: Prevention tips for asthmatics as pollution rises

Plus, the wastage of resources is something that can cause more harm to nature. This is why it is important to reduce the pollution and health effects on the vulnerable population during this time. Also, you must use resources that are not harmful but good for the environment as well. It is best to celebrate Diwali in an eco-friendly and green manner. And the best way to do so is by avoiding bursting firecrackers.

How to make your Diwali more eco-friendly?

If you have understood the importance of celebrating a green and eco-friendly Diwali, here are some ways you can do it:

1. Go traditional with diyas

Stop purchasing plastic diyas that are not good for the environment when there are so many beautiful eco-friendly options available in the market. Opt for more traditional clay diyas over plastic ones. They are biodegradable and the best thing – they can be reused. So, you also save money – a win-win! Plus, you can support local artisans as well.

2. Make your rangoli with natural colours

Making rangolis on Diwali is a tradition we all love and have been following for times unknown. This year, go with natural colours for rangoli. Instead of using chemical-laden rangoli colours, go natural and use things from your kitchen or flowers from your garden. You can use rice flour, turmeric, marigolds, roses and more such things to make your rangoli more eco-friendly.

3. Eco-friendly firecrackers or green crackers

While the best way to make your Diwali eco-friendly is by not bursting crackers, if you still can’t resist, choose eco-friendly options instead. Dr Baghel also recommends bursting only those firecrackers that produce minimal noise and fumes so that the air pollution is not impacted drastically.

Also Read: 5 convincing reasons why you must avoid firecrackers

4. LED lights

Diwali is a festival of lights, and it is obvious that you would want your house to shine the brightest. But what if there’s a way of making that more environment-friendly as well? Well, you can choose eco-friendly LED lights to decorate your homes. They consume less power and even last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.

5. Eco-friendly gifts

Do you love gifting your friends and family fancy things on Diwali? Well, why don’t you try gifting your friends a little more eco-friendly this year? Gift them potted plants, organic products, handmade or reusable items. What’s better than being closer to the spirit of Diwali than being traditional and organic?

6. Practice eco-conscious wrapping

Use recycled or reusable gift-wrapping materials such as cloth bags or newspapers. Avoid glossy and metallic wrapping papers, which are not easily recyclable. You can also choose products that require minimal packaging. Excessive packaging contributes to more waste.

7. Reuse and recycle

If you have decorations and materials from previous years, use them instead of buying new ones. If you don’t have anything that can be used again, invest in good one-time decorations this year that can be reused in the years to come. This way you save the environment and money as well.

You can enjoy the festive spirit of Diwali by adopting these eco-friendly practices that reduce the impact on the environment and help you make your Diwali more environment-friendly.