Guide to a Green Diwali
As a fully sustainable marketplace, we know how hard it can be to be mindful of your carbon footprint during the festive season. The festival is such that it demands grand celebrations, feasts and lights. You can however choose to celebrate Diwali consciously by choosing sustainable alternatives and omitting traditions that need to go. We have made things slightly easy for you with our guide to a Green Diwali
1) Say no to crackers
It’s 2022 and bursting crackers is not cool anymore. Air pollution, noise pollution and chemical discharge are just some of the long term negative effects of crackers. Be a responsible citizen this year and say no to crackers completely.
2) Use environmental friendly diyas
It is called the festival of lights afterall. You could however be mindful with your purchases and choose environment friendly diyas, lamps and candles that are beautiful, earthy and biodegradable. This way, you are also supporting the livelihood of your local businesses, potters and craftsmen. Soy wax scented candles make for great Diwali décor because they not only light up a place but also adds an inviting fragrance to the room.
3) Organic rangolis
Time to go back to basics and brighten up our homes with the ancient tradition of putting rangolis. Use flowers and natural colors for rangolis like rice powder, colorful grains, haldi etc; which not only adds a touch of grace to your homes but is also biodegradable and safe for the environment.
4) Biodegradable Tableware
The beauty of Diwali is that it signifies get-togethers, parties and food with loved ones. This is the time to impress your guests with beautiful handcrafted tableware and serveware that’s elegant, subtle and sophisticated.
5) Gift Mindfully
This year choose to gift sensibly based on what one needs or something that can be used and cherished by the receiver. Daily usable gifts like kitchenware, home decor, electronic gadgets can make great gifts or the most efficient gift will always be a voucher where the receiver gets to choose and buy what they want or like.
6) Ditch the wrappers
Say no to plastic wrappers and use newspaper or fabric instead to wrap your gifts. Not only does it add an aesthetic touch but it can be recycled or upcycled.
7) Dress sustainably
One of the most crucial parts of Diwali is your outfit. We all love getting dressed to host dinners, attend parties, meet friends and family during the festival season. Infact, it’s something we all plan way ahead to ensure we look our best. This year, either choose to shop for sustainable clothing and accessories or a thrift shop for some lovely elegant clothing or get a piece upcycled to make something new all together.
What else can you do?
Make paper lanterns at home.
Decorate your house with plants, vases and locally available flowers.
Light diyas with used cooking oil to save fuel.
Give away old clothes and things you no longer use to the needy.
Make your own sweets at home for Diwali using healthy and organic ingredients.
Get into DIY crafts and gifts to add a touch of personalization
