How to Celebrate an Eco-Friendly Diwali

The festival of lights is approaching, and festivities have already begun. The festival of lights, also known as Diwali or Deepavali, is unquestionably the most anticipated and cherished celebration in India. Diwali is a Hindu holiday that celebrates the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and hope over despair. It is a festival that commemorates the triumph of good over evil. It's a time for family and friends to get together and warm up. Diwali is all about connections, love, and sharing, and the true essence of the festival is celebrated when we consider others before ourselves! However, in recent years, lavish celebrations have not only wreaked havoc on the environment, but have also put people's health in jeopardy.

That is why we must do all possible to celebrate Diwali in an environmentally responsible manner!

No Firecrackers

Simply gaze up at the sky on Diwali night, and you'll see that the smoke and dust obscures the stars! Those who suffer with asthma have a hard time around Diwali. It has been shown that the toxins released by firecrackers have a significant impact on air quality each year. Firecrackers contribute to noise pollution as well. Firecrackers also cause major burns in many children, with some even losing their eyesight as a result of unfortunate events. That's not everything... The trash that accumulates after firecrackers are set off is harmful, polluting our landfills and water supplies! There's little doubt that the best way to enjoy Diwali this year is to forego purchasing firecrackers.

Eco-Friendly Gifts For Diwali

Many of the Diwali gifts we receive are useless and are discarded soon after the holiday. Take your time when selecting gifts. Gifts of potted plants or seedlings would be a nice departure from the typical chocolates that only add to your weight gain! Eco-friendly wooden or terracotta artefacts, handcrafted paintings or crafts, organic food hampers, organic soap, and eco-friendly fragrances are all thoughtful gifting options that are not harmful to the environment. Recycled and up-cycled things make excellent gifts that are both distinctive and demonstrate your concern for the environment.

Give Gifts To Those Who Really Need Them

Every year, after Diwali, you are left with a large number of boxes of sugary sweets that no one wants to consume! Why not make a difference this year by donating to an orphanage or volunteering at an old age home? Decide whether or not to teach your illiterate maid to read and write. Give needy children sweets or clothes if they are in desperate need.

Do Not Wrap Your Gifts!

While we're on the subject of gifts, please make sure they're not wrapped in ordinary wrapping paper. If you must wrap them (for that sense of surprise!), use newspaper in a creative way. Avoid using plastic or metallic wrapping. Reusable muslin bags are also an excellent option.

Buy Terracotta Diyas

Metallic paint is commonly used to embellish diyas, which can be harmful if it comes into touch with oil or heat. Simple diyas are typically the safest option. If you really must have adorned diyas, it's a good idea to get non-toxic paint and decorate them yourself. It's also a festive Diwali activity that the entire family may enjoy!

Make Rice Powder Rangolis

Rangolis made of rice powder rather than synthetic coloured powder are biodegradable and environmentally friendly. You may also build gorgeous decorative rangolis using flowers such as marigolds and jasmine, which have a lovely scent and add to the celebratory atmosphere.

Go Light On The Lighting!

Strings of lights are commonly seen draped on the balconies and windows of practically every home during Diwali. Try to avoid using too much electricity, or better yet, use solar energy to power these lights for a green Diwali. LED lighting consume far less energy than traditional bulbs, so use them wherever practical. Use leftover cooking oil to light diyas to save money on petrol. Examine the wick to ensure it is burning cleanly and not emitting smoke into the air.

Make Eco-Friendly Diwali Decorations

Anything synthetic or plastic-based should be avoided when decorating our homes. Make decorations out of recycled paper. Make use of flowers and leaves that are readily available in the area. Instead of throwing away your diyas, save them for next year. If you're presenting sweets as a gift, instead of fancy cardboard boxes that will be thrown away after usage, put them in stainless steel boxes that your friends may use. If you're lighting candles, instead of buying new ones, utilise old ones you already have.

Donate To The Poor

Nobody can adequately express the delight of giving. Give away clothes that are in good shape but that you no longer wear this Diwali. Old bed sheets or blankets can also be given to the less fortunate; winter is approaching, and they will come in useful! You can donate notebooks, textbooks, and old books to the public library or a local public school if you have completed reading them. If you have too many sweets, please give them away so that you can brighten someone else's Diwali as well!

Use Biodegradable Utensils

Anything synthetic or plastic-based should be avoided when decorating our homes. Make decorations out of recycled paper. Make use of flowers and leaves that are readily available in the area. Instead of throwing away your diyas, save them for next year. If you're presenting sweets as a gift, instead of fancy cardboard boxes that will be thrown away after usage, put them in stainless steel boxes that your friends may use. If you're lighting candles, instead of buying new ones, utilise old ones you already have.

Educate Children

Diwali is an excellent opportunity to teach our children about environmental stewardship. The future of the earth is in their hands, and we should educate them how to celebrate the correct way by leading by example!

If we can all be environmentally conscious this Diwali season and celebrate in a respectful and ethical manner, the world will be a better place! From the Girls Buzz family to yours, we wish you a joyous, safe, and environmentally friendly Diwali!