As we enter the peak of festivities with the warm reception of the most awaited festival of Diwali where the Earth, as well as the skies, are illuminated with lights. Diwali comes along with its charm, grandeur and splendour filling our hearts with much-needed joy, happiness and also promoting peace and brotherhood as it unifies every religion by sharing gifts, sweets and most importantly good vibes with our loved ones.
Diya’s, rangoli, home décor, freshly made sweets and savouries (faral), get-togethers set a perfect mood to shine and make it big!
We can continue to make it grand by being a little considerate for our Mother Nature. Climate change is a reality and we can’t escape from it. By adopting sustainable practices while celebrating we can bring a significant change.
GIVE A GIFT THAT KEEPS GIVING
Riddhi Savla, an Architect/Gift Stylist adds, “Diwali without presents is like wedding celebration minus sangeet practice – what’s the point? Diwali is celebrated when we think of others more than ourselves, that also means it’s time to think of the environment. It makes my eye twitch to see the mounds of plastic ribbons and boxes going into the trash on Diwali mornings. Being a gift stylist, I vowed to create sustainable gifting solutions by steering away from wasteful packaging and turn eco-friendly and reusable gifting alternatives, that could be repurposed entirely i.e. gift hampers design to be reused in any season for any celebration.”
A GREEN START
“The luminous festival of Diwali is the beat of every Indian heart. The ardour and energy which runs within is for this festival cannot be experienced on any other day. So this year my family and friends decided to use this zeal and let it accelerate towards the betterment of the environment which points towards an eco-friendly Diwali. We gathered and came up with the idea of gifting each other plant saplings or seeds to sow. The reaps will be our gratuity for giving consent for the proposal of celebrating another eco-friendly Diwali. Our sole motive is to burst our bad habits, to act green and not mean and make this Diwali peaceful,” quotes Devansh Thakkar.
VOCAL FOR LOCAL
Faisal Chouhan adds, “India has been known to be a hub of small businesses since ancient times. Indian markets have flourished through the collective efforts of these small groups. But quite recently big giant companies have captured the entire markets, moreover, the pandemic made it even more difficult for these groupies to survive. So this year, I would be buying my Diwali requirements from local vendors to support them which in turn can help them celebrate.”
BIO-DEGRADABLE PRACTICES
Krutika Tupe adds, “The biggest festival of India, has arrived, it’s all about lights, exchanging sweets with family and friends etc. But crackers are also a prime part of this occasion which are harmful. Due to the current situation of climate change, I and my family have decided to celebrate a green Diwali. This time we are going to use natural rangoli colours made from kumkum, turmeric, coffee powder and flowers. We are going to decorate our home by using eco-friendly homemade décor with minimum use of plastic. Managing Diwali waste is equally important, so it should be segregated well. I know it’s going to be difficult but if we take some measures and do it step by step, then I’m sure we will create a healthy environment.”
Being mindful amid celebration can avert the harsh effects of global warming and environmental changes. A step taken in the right direction always makes a difference, so let’s be kinder to nature and adopt sustainable practices to celebrate a green Diwali.
