The celebration of lights is right in front of us. Diwali is a celebration of happiness, unity and a time to share our joy. This festival is celebrated with a lot of grandeur and pomp. You dress up well, make rangolis, and most importantly, you might be bursting firecrackers too. But, do you know that bursting them can turn difficult for those who have asthma?
The pollutants from firecrackers create smog which causes breathing issues in older people and children. These health issues continue even post-Diwali. The high decibels of firecrackers cause problems in animals too. Many animals and birds experience trauma in case they become a part of the celebrations.
Not limited to this, the smoke released by the firecrackers creates pollution, which is anyways harmful to the environment. But it is in your hands to switch to an eco-friendly Diwali. This will surely not let your celebration go down, but you will be able to take a positive step toward the environment.
Consuming tasty and healthy gummies instead of high-calorie products can also be beneficial for your physical and mental health. Thus, let’s hop down to some ideas for celebrating an eco-friendly Diwali this year:
1. Opt for Organic Items
The tradition of gift-giving is a major element of Diwali. You can thus start giving organic items to your family and friends. There are many organic items in the market, such as organic cosmetics, soaps, coffee, tea, ice-cream, and other accessories, such as bags. There are even clothes that are made up of organic fabrics today.
These gifts do not just express your love and affection for loved ones but also demonstrate your respect and care for the planet. When giving out sweets, you should also make it a routine to place them in reusable bags or containers. Additionally, make sure to avoid using plastics in every way you can to ensure that your neighbourhood stays tidy.
2. Use Eco-Friendly Crackers
The first thing that pops into our minds when we hear the word Diwali is crackers. But crackers need to be put down. Noise pollution and air pollution are some of the already known causes to stop crackers, but there is another reason as well.
Crackers can be a nightmare for animals, especially street animals. In case you are really interested in burning crackers, then you should at least opt for the ones that are eco-friendly.
3. Buy Biodegradable Rangoli
Do you also like to create elaborate rangoli patterns when celebrating Diwali? There is a way to change it this time. Instead of making use of artificial rangoli powder, you can make use of grains, rice flour, or flowers to create intricate patterns this Diwali.
When you do so, small living creatures or insects can consume this rangoli which has organic ingredients. As a result, you would not only be providing food to these insects, but all the elements would be biodegradable.
4. Go for LED Lights
Diwali is known as the festival of lights, and you can’t be a part of it without the sparkle and gleam. LED bulbs are more eco-friendly as well as more energy efficient than traditional fluorescent and incandescent lighting because they use less energy and can be used in a wide range of applications.
Therefore, you should begin using lighting with LEDs to give the sparkle we require to both outdoor and indoor areas. With the multiple options that you have, your imagination is the only limit in the matter of decorating your home. Furthermore, LEDs could help you save money on your electricity costs!
5. Get Rid of Plastic Gift Wrappers
You might also be wrapping Diwali gifts with brightly colored synthetic gift paper. If yes, try a change this year. Eliminate extravagant wrapping and packaging. Instead, you can wrap the presents with a newspaper. Wrapping paper and plastic packaging are harmful to the environment and contribute to garbage that is not biodegradable. You can even show affection and love by attaching a handwritten note or a card.
6. Paint your Home using Low-Voc Wall Paints
Volatile Organic Compounds or VOCs lead to both negative short and long-term health consequences due to the harmful emissions from paints. Selecting low-VOC, zero-VOC, or natural wall paints will not only be a help to the environment but also to your health. However, they would only be available in lighter shades but have a lot of benefits such as low or no emission of toxic substances, easy to clean, and durable.
7. Try Earthen or Terracotta Diyas
The metallic-painted diyas are beautiful to buy, but when the paint comes into contact with hot oil, it can be harmful to the environment. Hence, candles and diyas made of soil are the best alternatives to metallic diyas.
Hence, they can be purchased from non-profit organisations that are selling handcrafted diyas as well as supporting various charitable organisations. These diyas are also sustainable and economical. This can cut down on electricity usage or waste during celebrations.
8. Give Eco-Friendly Gifts
Another major aspect of Diwali is the exchange of gifts. But rather than giving sweets to your family and friends, this Diwali, give them a plant. Peace spider plants, lilies, snake plants, china grass as well as other plants are excellent choices for gifts for the festival. Apart from expressing affection, these plants will also contribute to reducing air pollution post-Diwali.
You can also make use of organic colours for Rangoli rather than synthetic ones. To make the appearance more appealing, substitute plastic flowers with natural ones. You can even recycle your home decor with old, vibrant dupattas and dresses instead of ribbons made from plastic. In addition to this, replace inorganic incense sticks with fresh flowers.
9. Use Biodegradable Utensils
For the celebration of Diwali, there are many who organise an event at their home that includes decorations and inviting guests for dinner. So if you are doing the same, then instead of plastic crockeries, it is better to utilise the ones that are made from copper and steel.
They can be reused, and if you want to use disposable crockeries for eating, there are a variety of alternatives that are made of biodegradable materials. They can be easily recycled.
10. Donate Your Old Items
You might have old clothes that are nice to put on but are not being used anymore. These clothes can be donated to the poor to help protect their bodies during winter. The occasion of Diwali is the perfect opportunity to donate your clothing, as it is the festival that helps us bring joy and happiness to people.
You may also have your textbooks that are no longer used. These items can also be donated to those in need to help them get the most out of the resources available.
In Short
Following the above-provided ideas can be your positive step towards the benefit of the environment and society. These ways can be easily achieved and are sustainable too. Also, when starting with something new, you can definitely take a step towards your health through the consumption of delicious and healthy gummies.
Being cruelty-free, vegetarian, gluten and gelatin-free, the healthy gummies by “Power Gummies” are your true friend when celebrating an eco-friendly Diwali. The tasty flavour of the gummies makes you forget those high-calorie snacks. Pop up just two of them in a day to celebrate this Diwali in a healthier way.
A small beginning for a better and healthier world!