Here’s how you can celebrate a clean and green Diwali

It’s the season of festivity and cheer because Diwali is just around the corner. The grand celebration, which is a part of most Indian households, has family members across generations getting together and having a good time. 

From lighting lamps to noshing on mithai (or healthier alternatives if you are calorie-conscious), and exchanging gifts—there’s so much you can do on Diwali. It’s also the time of the year when we clean our homes, inviting Goddess Lakshmi to bestow wealth upon us. 

However, festivals and holiday celebrations tend to consume a lot of resources and leave behind a tonne of waste.  

This Diwali, if you wish to take small steps towards sustainable celebrations, here are some tips to get you started. 

Light up your home with earthen diyas

Diwali is the festival of lights, and that calls for decking up your homes with lights. This year, why don’t you ditch the cheap varieties available in abundance in the market for better alternatives?

Go for earthen diyas that use oil as fuel. Not only are they sustainable but they are also crafted by artisans. So, when you buy these diyas, you also support local artisans and their art. 

Apart from diyas, you may also opt for paraffin-free non-toxic candles made with pure soy and other cleaner materials, such as beeswax. They smell great and also last long.

Go for mindful gifting 

Festive season is the time for exchanging gifts with friends and family. After all, they are tokens of your love and say you care. How about giving something that’s made from natural and organic materials? 

Here are some eco-friendly gifting ideas: non-comedogenic soaps and creams, pretty notebooks, artisanal teas, spice boxes, and handicrafts. 

While you’re at it, don’t use plastic bags to wrap your gifts. Instead, opt for reusable covers, cloth bags, or even colourful fabric scrap. 

Use biodegradable plates and cutlery for Diwali parties 

Are you hosting a grand Diwali bash at home? While the guest list, decor and food take precedence, the crockery and cutlery often get neglected. To save time, many people go for disposable plates, spoons and glasses made from cheap materials. 

If you don’t want to end the day with a whole load of plates to wash, you may switch to biodegradable plates or banana leaves. 

You could also opt for bamboo glasses or kulhad (clay cups) instead of plastic variants. Try looking for these options in your neighbourhood market to support local vendors. 

Deck up your homes with thought and care

How can Diwali be complete without a striking rangoli at the doorstep that captivates visitors?

However, be mindful of the colours you use. Many of the rangoli powders in the market are made using synthetic colours. Choose organic colours that are non-toxic and won’t pollute the environment. 

Another option is fresh flowers that will brighten up any space in an instant. Just imagine the enticing aroma of rose and marigold wafting through the air, serenading your senses! 

You can also replace the thorans made of plastic with vibrant fabric festoons  and colourful sarees and dupattas. 

Go green with green crackers 

States across the country have put in place certain dos and don’ts regarding the use of crackers to curb the expected rise in pollution during the festival. 

If you must burst firecrackers, adhere to the time restrictions in your state and opt for green alternatives. Green crackers are free from barium salts and compounds of antimony, lithium, mercury, arsenic, lead and strontium chromate. They are made with potassium nitrate and aluminium that are said to be less polluting than the traditional varieties. 

What steps are you likely to take this Diwali? If you have an idea other than the ones we have listed, let us know.