The Green Glow-Up: An Insider’s Guide to an Eco Diwali

It’s that time of year again: skies filled with technicolour fireworks, balconies illuminated by the glow of diyas, and the joyful sound of children laughing and families exchanging greetings, distributing sweets, and warmly embracing each other. The air is filled with excitement and the aroma of festive treats, and homes are decorated with intricate rangolis and floral arrangements. Diwali 2024 has certainly arrived in full force.

But, amidst the celebration and grandeur, we often overlook the need to care for our home. Environmental responsibility tends to fade into the background, overshadowed by the festivities. Although promising initiatives have been aimed at fostering greener Diwali celebrations, these efforts still fall short of what is necessary to make a significant impact. Why not embrace a mindful celebration honouring our traditions and the planet this Diwali? By making thoughtful, luxurious choices, we can capture the beauty of Diwali in a way that shines brighter and lasts longer—for us and generations to come. Here’s an easy guide to help you be more environmentally responsible this Diwali. 

All About the Lights

One of the main highlights of Diwali is the use of lights as a symbol of the victory of good over evil. This year, embrace the festive spirit by being more mindful of the materials and lights you use. Supporting local artisans rather than mass-produced manufacturing companies is a great way to be environmentally conscious. Clay diyas from eco-friendly artisans, such as Capital Potteries in Mumbai, Maharashtra, offer a great alternative to mass-produced diyas. These biodegradable diyas enhance your Diwali decor, help reduce pollution, and support sustainable practices. Using vintage Moroccan lanterns and minimalist crystal light fixtures is also a great way to enhance your Diwali decor. When it comes to your outdoor spaces, consider using fairy LED lights, energy-efficient lights, and lush plants to enhance the overall look of your homes.

Transforming Spaces with Nature-Inspired Decor

Another widely celebrated Diwali tradition is rangoli-making. Every house is adorned with stunning rangolis made with vibrant colours and intricate designs. However, we often overlook the materials used to create these beautiful patterns. It’s easy to resort to synthetic colours; however, the harmful chemicals present in these colours are major threats to our health and the environment. Using natural colours made from materials like turmeric, coffee powder, flower petals, and more is a great way to create stunning, eco-friendly rangoli designs that enhance your home while reducing environmental impact. Regarding decor, replace plastic decorations with ornaments made from flowers, leaves and fabric. While this helps reduce plastic waste, it also allows you to unleash your creativity and discover unique ways to make your home festive and ready for Diwali. 

Green Fireworks: Diwali with a Sustainable Spin 

Diwali wouldn’t be complete without fireworks, but they are major contributors to air pollution. With India ranking low in air quality, the country has significant strides to make in improving its air environment. Here’s how you can help. Invest in green fireworks that use nitrogen fuel instead of the conventional firecrackers that increase your carbon footprint. Make sure to look for fireworks featuring the certified green CSIR-NEERI logo. These specially handcrafted fireworks are designed to reduce carbon emissions by at least 30%. 

Alternatively, light shows with projection mapping and animations in your garden or indoors pose as a great way to incorporate the thrill of fireworks while still being eco-conscious. Imagine sparkling patterns flashing across your living room walls or fascinating landscapes illuminating your lawn, mesmerising guests and bringing an aura of enchantment to your Diwali festivities. These digital displays can be customised to suit any theme or mood, making them ideal for extravagant occasions. Moreover, they allow you to personalise images, including traditional symbols, patterns, or personalised messages.

Create Memorable Eco-Friendly Experiences

Gift-giving is another cherished tradition that is a significant part of Diwali’s essence. Instead of traditional gifts, opt for potted plants or seedlings during the gift exchange. This helps foster a green legacy and represents your shared dedication to the environment. To further elevate the experience, consider organising a tree-planting event to foster a sense of community and shared purpose. 

Integrate alternative eco-friendly activities in your Diwali festivities, such as workshops for making handcrafted decorations or natural colours from materials like turmeric and beetroot. This will lower trash and enable everyone to showcase their creativity sustainably. By emphasising distributing plants and participating in meaningful activities, you may create an amazing Diwali experience emphasising giving, community, and environmental stewardship. 

As we celebrate the light and festivities of Diwali, there is no better opportunity to make conscientious, eco-friendly decisions that honour tradition and the environment. From thoughtful gift-giving experiences and activities like tree planting and sustainable décor, little changes can make a lasting effect. By incorporating sustainability into our festivities, we ensure that Diwali is vibrant and unforgettable and leaves a positive legacy for future generations. This year, may the festival spirit encourage us to safeguard and appreciate the earth we live in and let our celebrations inspire the spirit of togetherness and environmental stewardship.