Summary of this article
An eco-friendly Diwali is not only environmentally friendly but also pocket-friendly. It can be achieved through small tweaks in our celebration methods by focusing on cost-effective and earth-conscious ways while enjoying the festivities
Diwali denotes celebration. For some, it's about family time, fun, and games, and for others, it's sumptuous food and firecrackers. While the Supreme Court has recently allowed green firecrackers across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) during the festival, one can still find ways to celebrate the festival of light without resorting to firecrackers for enjoyment. An eco-friendly Diwali can not only reduce pollution but also help in saving money while keeping the festive spirit intact. This is all the more beneficial for senior citizens and children who are prone to falling sick due to a sudden increase in air pollution.
Here is how one can contribute to making this Diwali eco-friendly:
Use LED Or Solar Lighting
While decorating the house, one may use LED or solar-powered lights instead of traditional bulbs. It will help in saving power consumption by consuming less energy and lasting for a longer time. So, while illuminating the house, think of using energy-efficient ways. Also, one may consider using the smart timers which make the lights automatically turn off during the night.
Reuse And Upcycle Decorations
Diwali is also the time to deeply clean the house, remove clutter, and extra items that are no longer useful. While decorating the house with all afresh, think of using cost-efficient ways instead of spending money on buying decorative items from the market. This is also a good way to spend time with family. Consider creating paper lanterns and toran with materials at home, such as old newspapers, scrap fabric, etc. Upcycling not only saves money but also reduces waste and adds handmade charm to the house.
Skip Firecrackers, Celebrate With Light
Firecrackers, even though they are green, add pollution and cost. Instead of spending on them, think of organising a community event for activities like sky lantern night and more, such as ways to multiply the fun. Seniors, especially, don't like noisy crackers, and for them as well as children in the family, eco-safe activities like balloon popping with confetti would be more enjoyable. These small shifts can help save money.
Choose Eco-Friendly Gifts
Gifting on Diwali is also part of tradition, and markets are full of packaged gifts. Instead of buying expensive and disposable gift boxes, opt for sustainable and eco-friendly gifts, like potted plants, handmade crafts, and candles, and wrap them in reusable cloth or brown paper to stay environmentally friendly.
Homemade Festive Meals
Meals with the family become memorable when it is not just the mother's responsibility, but everybody gets involved in the preparation. Prepare food at home with local ingredients and share with neighbours or others. Home cooking should serve as family time. It saves cost, reduces packaging waste, and, more importantly, fosters a feeling of togetherness.
An eco-friendly Diwali, free from noise and air pollution, doesn't mean scaling back joy. It rather means celebrating with awareness, creativity, and care. Saving energy, reusing resources, and following tradition sustainably is also a part of a Diwali full of fun, food, memorable moments, and earth consciousness.
