India and the rest of the world celebrate Diwali with immense excitement and fervor. This wonderful festival unites people of all ages and communities and represents the victory of good over evil.
Diwali is traditionally celebrated with fireworks, sparkling lights, and sweets, but as sustainability becomes more prevalent, so does concern over the festival's effects on the environment. Diwali has an indisputable effect on the environment. Celebrating an eco-friendly Diwali can help mitigate these effects and promote sustainable practices.
READ| Diwali 2024 Date: When is Deepawali? All You Need to Know About the 5 Days Festival of Lights
What is the Environmental Impact of Diwali?
1. Air Pollution
One of the most prominent aspects of Diwali festivities is firecrackers, which are known to be the main cause of air pollution throughout the holiday. These firecrackers produce a variety of dangerous chemicals that are bad for the air. Around Diwali, there is a significant rise in air pollution levels, making it difficult for people to breathe, particularly those with respiratory conditions.
2. Noise Pollution
Firecrackers also produce noise levels far above the permissible limits, especially in densely populated areas. Excessive noise pollution can disturb humans, animals, and even local ecosystems. This noise pollution affects animals, especially domestic pets, as well as birds, who are sensitive to loud sounds.
3. Water Pollution
Water bodies are often polluted during Diwali from the immersion of idols and waste. The remnants of these items, made of non-biodegradable materials and chemical-based paints, contaminate the water and harm aquatic life. Cleaning up these pollutants requires extensive efforts and resources.
4. Waste Generation
Diwali celebrations often involve the use of disposable items for decorations, packaging of sweets, and wrapping paper for gifts. Much of this waste is plastic-based and non-biodegradable, ending up in landfills or clogging waterways.
READ| The Role of Dhanteras in Promoting Wealth and Well-Being in Society
How to Celebrate an Eco-friendly Diwali?
While traditional Diwali practices carry rich cultural significance, small changes can help reduce the environmental impact and promote sustainability. Here are some ways to celebrate an eco-friendly Diwali:
1. Switch to LED Lights and Traditional Diyas
Choose LED lights instead of conventional ones to save energy because they last longer and use less electricity. Furthermore, in addition to being an important cultural symbol, earthen diyas, or oil lamps, are also environmentally beneficial. Choose reusable and biodegradable oil-based diyas and support local artisans.
2. Avoid Firecrackers
Firecrackers are among the most harmful elements in traditional Diwali celebrations. Avoiding them altogether significantly reduces air and noise pollution. Instead, you can choose eco-friendly alternatives such as sparklers or noise-free fireworks that are made with reduced chemical content. These alternatives are a safer option. You can find them in many stores and enjoy a celebratory feel with minimal environmental impact.
3. Opt for Natural Decorations
Instead of plastic decorations, use natural, biodegradable options like flowers, leaves, and paper-based materials. Marigold flowers, mango leaves, and banana leaves are beautiful and eco-friendly choices for decoration. You can also create rangolis using rice flour, flower petals, turmeric, or henna powder rather than artificial colours, which often contain chemicals.
4. Limit Power Usage
Minimise excessive lighting, especially in outdoor spaces, to reduce electricity consumption. Turn off lights when they’re not in use, and limit decorative lights to a few hours in the evening.
5. Gift Sustainable Products
Consider giving eco-conscious gifts, such as indoor plants, handmade candles, organic skin care products, or reusable items like cloth bags and stainless steel bottles. You can also choose reusable or biodegradable wrapping paper or avoid wrapping paper altogether by using cloth, jute, or even newspaper.
6. Organise a Community Clean-up
After Diwali, organise or join a community clean-up drive to help collect waste from celebrations. This will not only keep public spaces clean but also raise awareness about the importance of reducing and managing waste.
7. Promote Recycling
Many decorations, wrapping papers, and containers can be recycled. After the festival, encourage family and friends to sort waste and recycle as much as possible. Choose biodegradable and recyclable products when planning your celebrations.
READ| Diwali Bank Holidays 2024: Know When Banks are Closed this Festive Season
What are the Advantages of Celebrating an Eco-friendly Diwali?
Switching to an eco-friendly Diwali brings several advantages:
- Improved air quality: By avoiding firecrackers and using less electricity, air pollution will be reduced, making it healthier to breathe, especially for those who are more susceptible.
- Reduced waste: Using natural decorations, biodegradable products, and recycling materials decreases the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.
- Family and community bonding: Organising a clean-up drive or making handmade decorations are two sustainable ways to celebrate Diwali that also improves relationships within the community.
- Wildlife preservation: Animals, particularly birds, pets, and other wildlife, are frequently negatively impacted by loud noises and pollution during Diwali. Therefore, reducing noise and air pollution helps safeguard these creatures.
Diwali is a time for joy, unity, and reflection. As the world becomes increasingly aware of the importance of environmental conservation, celebrating Diwali in an eco-friendly manner allows us to honour tradition while protecting the environment. By making small changes to reduce pollution, minimise waste, and support sustainable practices, we can ensure that future generations can enjoy a clean and healthy planet.
Comments
All Comments (0)
Join the conversation