How To Have An Eco-Friendly Diwali

This year, give the festival of lights a green tinge with these easy tips

- Tania Tarafdar

Diwali is just around the corner and your preparations are probably in full swing. By now, you must have decided on gifts, thought of the delicious treats for your little one, and shopped to your heart’s content. On the flip side, however, these celebrations can cause a lot of harm to nature and the environment around you. Just a little awareness, and small changes can make a big difference in this regard. M&B shows you how...

1 BEGIN WITH CHARITY:

When you start the annual clean-up of your home, make sure that you do not dispose of all that you think is not a necessity any more. Instead, make two bags – one for items that can be recycled and the other for the items to be discarded. Dump your unused clothes, toys, books, and stationery in the bag for recyclable items. Go to an orphanage, and distribute them between underprivileged kids. There can be no better way to start your Diwali preparations other than by giving. For the other bag with the disposables, make sure you discard them right away and in an eco-friendly manner. Dismantle electronic items, remove the silicon batteries, and then send them to recycle bins or give away to the nearby electronic repair store.

2 CLOSE TO THE EARTH:

Sure, adorning your house with electric, colourful lights enhances its look, making it more festive, but it also calls for more power consumption. Light earthen diyas instead to cut down on power consumption, and give your house an ethnic look for the occasion. Opt for good old oil diyas that are biodegradable and cost-effective. You can also use some innovative lighting alternatives like orange peels, wheat dough and coconut shells as DIY diyas. There’s nothing like some good DIY crafts to get kids to use their imaginations, and keep them entertained for hours.

3 CRACK IT THOUGHTFULLY: