EMBRACING Sustainability During Festivities

Most individuals view festivals as a time to spare no effort in celebration, a mindset that is generally positive.

- Seeja Prabhu

However, when this exuberance leads to adverse impacts on the environment, it's essential to rethink those decisions. Going all out for the festive season can often mean purchasing single-use decorations, buying diyas made with harmful substances available at lower prices, providing pollution-causing firecrackers for children, or bringing home an abundance of sweets that ultimately end up wasted.

This festive season, embrace Diwali with a sustainabilityminded approach. Read on to discover incredible ways individuals can adopt ecofriendly initiatives, enjoying the holiday in a guilt-free manner.

Avoid Firecrackers at All Costs

Firecrackers are often seen as the epitome of the Festival of Lights, but they should be avoided at all costs. Many people are aware of the noise, water, and air pollution caused by the harmful chemicals in locally sourced firecrackers yet continue to turn a blind eye. While biodegradable firecracker alternatives may seem safer, they can still cause distress to both domestic and wild animals. Some individuals assume that using "green crackers" is a safe compromise, but this leads to significant consequences. Each festive season, countless animals become lost from their familiar neighborhood, with many unable to find their way back due to the panic caused by loud noises. Animals possess far more acute hearing than humans, making them especially vulnerable during such celebrations.

The psychological impact on these stray animals can be devastating, often resulting in homelessness by the end of the festivities. Many animals suffer from panic attacks and other trauma-related conditions. Additionally, the disturbance caused to wildlife can negatively affect their mating and foraging behaviors, ultimately disrupting local ecosystems essential for human survival.