Sustainable and a Resource Efficient Diwali!

Diwali is one of my favourite festivals for so many different reasons... Family gatherings, cleaning the house, putting up lights, making colourful rangolis, preparing mouth watering delicacies, wearing simple beautiful clothes, visiting relatives homes, distributing sweets, and so much more... basically sharing joy in our own little way.

However, paying a little attention to the way things are being used and disposed during the festival can contribute a lot to a cleaner Diwali that utilities resources effectively.  Resource efficiency means using the earth's limited resources over a period of time while minimizing damage on the environment.

Here are some ideas that will help you get started !

1) De-clutter your home/ Help the less fortunate

Look around and you WILL find a lot of things lying around aimlessly in your home. There is only one rule - anything you haven’t used in the past year, won’t be used in future as well. Clothes that don’t fit anymore, gadgets/appliances which are not in a working condition or you’ve upgraded on, rusty accessories, old toys and other unused items. Don’t throw them away, just donate them to shelters and spread the cheer. Instead of buying new clothes redesign old ones.

2) Go for clay lamps

What is Diwali without lights? This year however try to do away with the Chinese fairy lights and opt for the ethnic earthen lamps. These lights are environment-friendly leaving little to zero carbon footprint behind. You can choose from a variety of options available in the local markets. They would definitely give your home a warm and a festive feel.

Clay diyas mounted on an old stool we have.

3) Rangoli

Create rangolis out of flowers and other material available at home such as haldi, kumkum etc. and avoid buying artificial colours. You can also make one using waste materials, sequence and glue.

Handmade rangoli using waste materials

4) Don't buy -Try making something

Lanterns can cost you anywhere between Rs. 60 and Rs.150. How about making one at home. Its easy and less time consuming. Torans can be made using paper mache, flowers, crepe paper, old fabrics. etc. You will find many DIY videos online to help you with the same.

You can gift handmade items to relatives and friends like candles, scrapbooks, cloth bags, trinklets and boxes. Old bottles and left over wood pieces can be painted and decorated. Instead of buying wrapping paper you can wrap gift items in newspapers, old cloth or stole and tie a colourful ribbon around it for a festive look.

5) Keep air purifying plants/ create a Terrarium

Try plants as a new decor for your home. We are all aware that many houseplants can absorb harmful toxins from the air, especially in enclosed spaces with little air flow. These are called air purifying plants. Golden Pothos, Money plant, Snake plant, Spider plant, Peace lily, English ivy, Areca palm, Aloe vera remove pollutants from the air.  They create oxygen and look pretty. Terrariums give a very relaxing feel to your living room. They are beautiful to look at and occupy very little space. You can create one with minimalist resources.

6) Crackers/Green crackers

Burst crackers that cause less noise and air pollution. You can still enjoy the spirit of Diwali with less crackers. Green firecrackers may be a reality soon. From what I have heard these crackers apparently do not contain any harmful substances that are responsible for air pollution. The components are being replaced by materials that are “less dangerous” and “less harmful” to the atmosphere. Presently the CSIR labs have been working on eco-friendly firecrackers and have readied prototypes.

7) Prepare a feast  

Prepare delicacies at home and spend time with family and friends. Bond over a hearty meal.

Potluck konkani lunch.

8) The next day 

If you must throw away wrapping paper, plastic items and cardboard packaging of gift boxes you received from family and friends, make sure to segregate them to see which are non-biodegradable items, those don’t get soiled, which can be re-used so that they remain recyclable and don’t end up in a landfill. Don't indiscriminately throw everything in the dustbin. Every year I re-use the gift boxes I receive by re-decorating and stuffing them with assorted items to gift in the near future.

Handmade box made using waste materials

Every year I receive a lot of sweets from family and friends more than required. If you know you are sure not to consume them, kindly give it away to the people who work for you or to the kids in the nearby streets. You will definitely make their day. Let it not rot and have them thrown in the waste bin.

Most of all BE POSITIVE and greet everyone with a bright SMILE. Spend time with a friend or family member who needs you and let no one be lonely during this festive period.

I hope you find the above information useful and that you can incorporate them this festive season! Do let me know what you think of my blog! Happy Deepawali to everyone!