Diwali is not just a festival of lights, but also the time for fun, merriment and joy. Translated in the Indian context, it means family and friends getting together to feast and bond with each other. But does the aftermath leave you with an irritable throat, burning eyes and littered environment that makes you shudder? Mahindra Group shares some tips on making this Diwali an ecofriendly one:
·Opt for LED lighting to light up your homes, especially if you have small children, as, oil lamps could be dangerous. LEDs are safer and consume less electricity
·Get the family involved in making a lantern – it will not only help in bonding, but will also be a matter of pride in showing off the family’s creativity
·Handmade gifts or those sourced locally are far better than those bought online – lesser carbon footprint!
·Gift saplings to your friends, family, employees, clients, customers, associates etc.-they are good for greening the planet and make useful presents that are at the same time, pocket friendly
·Make sweets and goodies at home – far healthier and good on the pocket too. If you have to buy, buy from a local source
·Use locally available flowers and plants to decorate your home as buntings or in rangolis.
·Promote usage of cloth and jute bags by using them or gifting them
·Say no to plastic! Use handmade papers for packaging gifts and food
·Avoid the use of noisy and smoky firecrackers. Say no to crackers and celebrate an environmentally friendly Diwali. Firecrackers cause noise and air pollution. Instead, gather family and friends and play board games.
·Use biodegradable crockery and cutlery – less work for the housewife and the housemaid. Make sure you dispose these in biodegradable garbage bags and in a responsible manner
·It is each one’s responsibility to segregate the waste carefully after the celebrations; make sure you separate bio-degradable and non-bio degradable waste while doing so.
·Last but not in the least, ensure that your house and your environment are litter free after the festivities as it is a sore sight to view garbage all around
