Five Ways to Celebrate Diwali Eco-Friendly and Reduce Carbon Footprint

The festival of lights, Diwali, is a time of joy, celebration and conviviality. In India, the 5-day festival is a grand celebration with festivities. However, given the current growing concern for the environment, it is crucial to celebrate this festival in a way that does not harm nature much and does not add to pollution in any way.

People have grown up celebrating Diwali in the traditional way, which involves bursting of firecrackers, excessive lighting and littering, leading to air pollution, noise pollution and a large amount of non-biodegradable waste. By celebrating an eco-friendly Diwali, you can enjoy the festivities while being kind to the planet and contributing to a green future.

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Avoid bursting firecrackers

One of the major contributors to pollution during Diwali is the bursting of firecrackers. They release harmful gases into the air, contributing to air pollution, and the loud noise can harm infants and animals. This can cause anxiety in animals. Instead of bursting crackers, you can celebrate with noiseless alternatives like whistling, clapping, or using biodegradable confetti. By avoiding firecrackers, you protect the environment and help ensure cleaner air and a calmer environment for everyone.

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Use eco-friendly diyas and lights

Diyas and lights are an essential part of Diwali. They are obligatory because they symbolize the triumph of light over darkness. Instead of using electric lamps which consume a lot of energy, opt for traditional oil lamps (diyas) made from clay. These are biodegradable and can be reused for many years. If you prefer electric lights, use LED bulbs, which use less electricity and last longer, helping you reduce your energy consumption and carbon footprint.

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Choose a natural decoration

Instead of buying plastic decorations, use natural materials like flowers, leaves and paper for your home decor. Rangolis can be made from rice flour, turmeric and natural colors instead of synthetic powders. You can also decorate your home with handicrafts or recycled materials, which reduces plastic waste and adds a personal touch to your decoration.

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Sustainable gifts

Diwali is the time to exchange gifts. This year, favor ecological options such as plants, artisanal products or organic and sustainable products. Avoid offering items packaged in plastic or other non-recyclable materials. Instead, use reusable fabric bags or wrap your gifts in recycled paper to minimize waste.

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Use minimal packaging and reduce waste

During Diwali, a lot of waste comes from packaging, be it sweets, gifts or decorations. Try buying candy and other items in bulk to reduce packaging waste and avoid single-use plastics. Compost food waste and recycle what you can to minimize the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. Try using paper bags or paper wrappers for your gifts.