Festivals are meant for families to come together, decorate their homes, share moments of joy and enjoy delicious sweets. While celebrating Diwali is deeply rooted in culture, few practices create environmental concerns, especially excessive use of fireworks, and waste production.
Diwali is a festival of joy, lights and sharing happiness with each other, we should be mindful about the environment while enjoying festivity, it doesn’t mean changing the way we celebrate Diwali. Our enthusiasm would be the same while making eco- friendly choices. With simple changes to reduce waste, minimise energy consumption, and protect the environment from pollution we can contribute to the environmental cause. Let’s discuss ways to celebrate Diwali more sustainably by choosing eco-friendly items including diyas, candles, decorative items and sustainable Diwali hampers.
1. Eco- Friendly Diyas
Diwali symbolises light, and is celebrated by lighting up home with diyas and candles. Avoid using electric lights and synthetic candles, choose traditional clay diyas, they are biodegradable and reusable. These diyas are charming and have a rustic look. Diyas are great for lighting your house and contribute to environmental sustainability. They also reduce the electricity consumption that comes with a series of lighting.
Look for eco – friendly candles that are made from natural waxes like soy wax or beeswax. These candles are free from chemicals that are found in mostly paraffin candles and they burn cleaner. You can still have a beautiful, well-lit home with diyas and eco-friendly candles while cutting down on energy use and pollution.
2. Reduce Firecracker Use
Fireworks are an exciting part of Diwali, but they contribute significantly to air and noise pollution. The smoke from firecrackers adds harmful toxins to the air, which can be especially harmful to children, the elderly, and people with respiratory problems.
If fireworks are a tradition you don’t want to miss, consider using eco-friendly firecrackers. These are made from recycled paper and produce less smoke and noise, minimising their harmful impact. Additionally, you can limit the use of fireworks to just a few minutes during the celebration, rather than hours of continuous bursting. This way, you can still enjoy the festive spirit of fireworks without causing too much harm to the environment.
3. Sustainable Decorations
Diwali decorations bring colour and joy to your home, but they don’t need to be wasteful. Instead of using plastic decorations or synthetic materials, consider using natural and reusable items. For example, you can use flowers, leaves, and natural dyes to create rangoli patterns at your entrance. Fresh flowers such as marigolds and roses are easily available during Diwali and make for beautiful, biodegradable decorations.
Instead of store-bought, disposable decor, try making your own DIY decorations using recyclable materials like paper, fabric, or jute. You can reuse these decorations for future celebrations, reducing both waste and expenses. Not only does this add a personal touch to your Diwali celebration, but it also helps keep the environment cleaner.
4. Mindful Gifting
Gift-giving is a big part of Diwali, whether it’s sweets, clothes, or other goodies. However, you can make your gifts eco-friendly too. Instead of over-the-top packaging with plastic wrappers and decorative items, choose minimalist, reusable, or biodegradable packaging. For example, wrap your gifts in cloth, reusable gift bags, or newspapers decorated with colourful, eco-friendly paints.
When choosing gifts, opt for sustainable options like handmade products, organic food items, or eco-friendly Diwali hampers that include reusable items such as bamboo cutlery, handmade soaps, or natural candles. You can explore various handmade Diwali hampers online; online gift stores present various options to make eco -friendly Diwali. From packaging to eco – friendly decorative items that you can order from their platforms. This way, you’re not only giving a thoughtful gift but also encouraging your loved ones to be more environmentally conscious.
6. Avoid Single-Use Plastics
Diwali often involves hosting friends and family for gatherings and feasts. During such events, it can be tempting to use disposable plates, cups, and cutlery for convenience. However, these single-use plastics are a significant source of waste and pollution.
To celebrate Diwali in a more sustainable way, consider using reusable crockery and cutlery. If you’re worried about the clean-up, you can also opt for biodegradable tableware made from materials like sugarcane, bamboo, or palm leaves. These eco-friendly options ensure that you can enjoy your Diwali meal without adding to the growing problem of plastic waste.
7. Support Local Businesses
During Diwali, we tend to shop more than usual, whether it’s for gifts, clothes, or home decor. This year, make a conscious effort to support local artisans, small businesses, and eco-friendly brands. By choosing local products, you’re reducing the carbon footprint associated with long-distance shipping and contributing to the livelihoods of local craftsmen.
Many online platforms offer a range of sustainable products, from organic clothing to handmade decorations and eco-friendly gifts. Shopping online also gives you the convenience of browsing a wide variety of options while supporting ethical and eco-conscious brands.
Conclusion
Celebrating an eco-friendly Diwali doesn’t mean giving up on the joy and excitement of the festival. By making small, mindful changes, you can enjoy all the traditional aspects of Diwali while minimising your impact on the environment. From using natural decorations and sustainable gifts to reducing firecracker use, there are many ways to make your Diwali celebration more eco-conscious without losing any of the festive spirit. So this year, as you prepare for Diwali, take a step towards sustainability.
