Lights, Cleanup, Action! How to Celebrate a Low-Waste Diwali Without Missing the Fun – News18

Last Updated:October 27, 2024, 10:36 IST

To create a cleaner, greener celebration, light up your Diwali with happiness and environmentally friendly decisions.

Diwali, the festival of lights, is synonymous with joy, togetherness, and renewal. However, the celebrations often leave behind a trail of waste—firecracker remnants, plastic decorations, and excessive packaging. As India moves towards its Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, a more sustainable and eco-friendly Diwali can be a small yet impactful step in reducing environmental harm while preserving the spirit of the festival. By incorporating waste management strategies and embracing a circular economy, we can enjoy a vibrant Diwali without leaving a negative footprint.

Waste Management Strategies: Greener Celebrations

Rethinking our Diwali habits with a focus on sustainability doesn’t mean losing the joy of the festival. Here are some practical ways to celebrate more responsibly.

1. Eco-Friendly Decorations:Swap plastic decorations for biodegradable alternatives like clay diyas, bamboo torans, and fabric garlands. Upcycling is another great option—revitalize old décor by repainting diyas or using old saris as wall hangings, reducing waste while keeping the aesthetic intact.
2. Firecracker Alternatives:Traditional firecrackers are notorious for creating air and noise pollution. Opt for eco-friendly alternatives like light shows, laser displays, or even virtual celebrations. If firecrackers are part of your Diwali tradition, consider green crackers that emit less smoke and noise, making a small but important contribution to cleaner air.
3. Reusable Serveware:Hosting a Diwali party? Ditch single-use plastic plates and cups in favor of reusable or biodegradable Serveware like areca leaf plates or bamboo cutlery. To further reduce waste, encourage guests to bring containers for leftovers instead of using plastic takeaway options.
4. Composting Food Waste:With food being a significant part of Diwali celebrations, a lot of waste can be generated. Instead of discarding leftovers, start a composting habit. Organic waste like fruit peels and food scraps can be composted and used to enrich the soil, turning waste into a resource.

Embracing the Circular Economy: Rethinking Consumption

This Diwali, align with the circular economy by rethinking consumption patterns. In a linear economy, products are used and discarded, contributing to waste. The circular model promotes reuse, recycling, and repurposing, ensuring minimal waste generation.

Sustainable shopping can make a huge difference. Choose eco-friendly brands offering biodegradable rangoli colours, upcycled décor, and sustainable candles. Instead of buying new festive outfits, consider renting or upcycling old clothes to create new styles. This not only cuts down on textile waste but also reduces the demand for fast fashion.

Youth as Gamechanger: Leading the Low-Waste Movement

India’s youth, particularly Gen Z, are at the forefront of the low-waste movement. Their eco-conscious actions, from community cleanups to advocating for upcycling and reuse, are transforming the way Diwali is celebrated. Youth-led initiatives often focus on waste segregation and recycling drives, ensuring minimal waste after festivities. Digital Diwali campaigns led by young voices are also helping spread awareness, encouraging eco-friendly alternatives that don’t compromise on the celebration’s joy.

Towards Viksit Bharat 2047: A Brighter Future

A low-waste Diwali resonates with the broader vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, where sustainability is integral to India’s growth and resilience. Every small action—whether through adopting waste management strategies, practicing eco-friendly habits, or supporting circular economy initiatives—contributes to this vision.

This Diwali, let’s brighten our homes and communities without burdening the environment. By adopting simple, mindful changes, we can enjoy a festive season that’s not just joyful but also responsible, paving the way for a greener, brighter and more sustainable future.

(With inputs by Abhishek Agashe, Co-founder & CEO at elima)