ECO-FRIENDLY DIWALI WITH BOSS LADY
The familiar ‘boom’ of crackers and loud music and giggles of good times that are ever so native to the festival of lights may not be around this time. Diwali always equals a sensorial delight, one that immerses you in sights and sounds and smells that instantly give you a warm happy feeling. While the familiarity and the warmth that comes along with it may not be around this time, the excitement around preparations remain the same. With the current reality we’re in, an eco friendly Diwali is the need of the hour this season. These options will help in turning traditions and rituals around to make it more eco friendly this season is easier than you think!
HERE ARE 5 WAYS TO HAVE AN ECO FRIENDLY DIWALI!
1. USE BIODEGRADABLE LAMPS
Switch out the plastic light and go back to beautiful traditional diyas. Not only are traditional designs bio-degradable, they also support the local economy by purchasing from your friendly neighborhood vendor. Using plastic lights adds a strain on electricity-consumption around Diwali and makes it sky-rocket. So why not try a different route this season? And let’s face it – don’t the diyas look a lot prettier? So why not go organic and cut down on some bills too? Try this cool trick to turn your orange peels into gorgeous and aromatic diyas.
2. SAY ‘NO’ TO CRACKERS
Needless to say, the number one way to have an eco friendly Diwali is by not going this route. Given the current health situation, the air pollution not only adds to the difficulties faced by those with weaker immunities, but also has obvious environmental repercussions. While the smoke affects the environment at large, the plastic waste that accompanies the crackers as packaging are thrown around and clog up the streets and environment for years on end. Moreover, much of the manufacturing of crackers utilizes cheap and unethical labour that involves children and leads to multiple health issues that are long-term. A good rule of thumb is to stay away from it and instead celebrate an eco friendly Diwali that is pollution-free and ethical too.
3. USE CLOTH BAGS FOR SHOPPING
Diwali = shopping. For the home, for yourself and even those around you. And that inevitably means a lot of shopping bags! With this season of sales and multiple purchases, be sure to carry a cloth bag to store your items. Many vendors sell items in plastic bags that multiply through the season as shopping frenzy sets in. You can lessen this strain on the environment by simply carrying your own bag to take items!
4. USE ECO FRIENDLY ITEMS FOR RANGOLIS
No Diwali is complete without a beautifully kaleidoscopic rangoli. While this element is essential to our festivities, the usage of synthetic colours has largely been a pollutant to the environment. Try opting for rangolis that can be made using flowers or grains, or use eco-friendly colours that do not cause harm to our surroundings. It’s really about the simple choices!
5. GIFT LOVE AND HEALTH INSTEAD OF SWEETS AND ITEMS
Diwali just screams gifts, sweets and indulgence galore. The season has us leaning towards luscious sweets and other items but there are ways to make it an eco friendly Diwali with gifting. Opt for selections that have utility as well as value. While treats and items may later be obsolete, sharing health-conscious and environmentally supporting gifts may help! Gift an indoor potted plant, or plant a tree in honour of a loved one. You could even gift a DIY starter gardening kits with seeds and other requirements. That easy!
