Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most celebrated festivals in India. It’s a time for family gatherings, delicious sweets, and the lighting of diyas (lamps). However, as the years go by, our traditional Diwali celebrations have started to leave a heavy impact on the environment. The bursting of firecrackers, the use of plastic decorations, and the excessive waste generated during the festivities contribute to pollution and environmental degradation.
This year, why not make Diwali more meaningful by celebrating it in an eco-friendly way? Teaching kids to celebrate Diwali sustainably can help them develop a sense of responsibility toward the environment, and what better way to ensure a brighter, cleaner future than by involving them in eco-conscious celebrations?
Let’s dive into some fun, creative, and sustainable ways kids can celebrate Diwali while caring for the planet.
1. Opt for Eco-friendly Diyas and Lamps
Traditionally, Diwali has been celebrated by lighting diyas and oil lamps to symbolize the victory of light over darkness. But with the increasing use of plastic and chemically-laden products, it’s essential to switch to sustainable options.
- Clay Diyas: Encourage children to use eco-friendly clay diyas over plastic or synthetic ones. Clay diyas are biodegradable, easy to make, and can be reused for many years.
- Natural Colors: Decorate the diyas with natural paints made from turmeric, henna, or eco-friendly colors. Kids can paint and design their own diyas, adding a personal touch to the celebration.
- Solar-powered Lamps: Solar lamps are a wonderful way to reduce energy consumption. Kids can decorate solar-powered lamps or use rechargeable battery-operated lights to illuminate their homes. These lamps last longer and use renewable energy, making them a sustainable option.
Not only are clay diyas and solar lights more eco-friendly, but they also teach kids the importance of reusing, recycling, and reducing waste.
2. Eco-friendly Decorations
Diwali decorations are a big part of the festival, with homes and streets adorned in lights, rangolis, and garlands. However, many decorations are made from non-biodegradable materials like plastic and foil, which add to pollution.
- Natural Rangolis: Instead of using artificial colors or plastic glitter, make rangolis using natural items like flower petals, rice flour, and turmeric. Kids can enjoy creating beautiful patterns with these eco-friendly materials, and the best part is that they are completely biodegradable.
- Paper Lanterns: Use recycled paper to create lanterns and torans (traditional hanging decorations) that can be reused every year. Kids can help design these paper decorations, giving them a chance to show their creativity while keeping waste at bay.
- Flowers and Leaves: Garlands made from marigold flowers, rose petals, and other natural elements are a wonderful way to add vibrancy to the home. Kids can make their own flower garlands or arrange fresh flowers to decorate the house in a sustainable way.
By using natural and recyclable materials, kids will learn that beauty doesn’t need to come at the expense of the planet.
3. Say No to Crackers
One of the most controversial aspects of Diwali celebrations is the bursting of firecrackers. They contribute significantly to air and noise pollution, affecting not only the environment but also the health of people, especially those with respiratory conditions and animals that are scared by the noise.
Instead of crackers, encourage kids to explore other, quieter, and more sustainable ways to celebrate:
- Light Up the Sky with Eco-friendly Firecrackers: If bursting crackers is a tradition your family wants to continue, opt for eco-friendly crackers made from organic materials, which are less harmful to the environment. These crackers produce less smoke and noise.
- Cultural Performances: Organize a talent show or a cultural performance at home where kids can showcase their dancing, singing, or acting skills. This will not only entertain the family but will also allow kids to feel involved in the Diwali celebrations in a non-polluting way.
- Firefly Lanterns: Instead of fireworks, create a beautiful display of lanterns or firefly-like lights in the garden or at a designated space. Kids can decorate jars with colorful paper, string lights, and glitter to create their own magical firefly lanterns.
By limiting or eliminating crackers, children will learn the importance of celebrating in ways that protect the environment while still having fun.
4. Sustainable Gifts and Wrapping
Diwali is a time for giving, and many people exchange gifts with their loved ones. However, the packaging and wrapping of these gifts can often generate unnecessary waste.
- Reusable Gift Wrapping: Instead of using plastic or non-recyclable wrapping paper, encourage kids to use cloth or newspaper to wrap gifts. You can even make it a fun activity by decorating cloth wraps with fabric paints or stamps. Reusable gift bags are another great option for wrapping presents sustainably.
- Homemade Gifts: Encourage children to make gifts for their friends and family. Whether it’s a handmade card, a DIY craft, or even baked goods, homemade gifts show love and thoughtfulness and reduce the environmental impact of purchasing plastic-wrapped items.
This year, make the gift-giving experience special by involving kids in choosing, creating, or wrapping gifts in an eco-friendly way.
5. Green Diwali Snacks
Diwali is synonymous with sweets and snacks, but the production and packaging of these treats can have an environmental cost. Kids can help prepare traditional Diwali snacks in a more eco-conscious way.
- Organic Ingredients: Use organic or locally sourced ingredients for preparing sweets. Encourage kids to learn how to make traditional Diwali sweets like ladoos, barfis, and kheer using healthy, sustainable ingredients.
- Minimize Packaging: Instead of buying pre-packaged sweets that often come in plastic containers, make the sweets at home. When gifting sweets, use glass jars or reusable containers instead of plastic trays.
- Plant-based Snacks: Consider preparing plant-based snacks that have a smaller carbon footprint. Snacks like roasted nuts, fruit chaat, or vegetable samosas are healthier, delicious, and kinder to the environment.
By preparing Diwali treats from scratch, kids can understand the value of reducing food waste, eating local, and being mindful of the resources they consume.
6. Support Local and Sustainable Businesses
If you’re planning to buy Diwali gifts or decorations, choose eco-friendly products from local artisans or businesses that focus on sustainability. Supporting local businesses reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting goods long distances and ensures that the money stays within your community.
Kids can learn about the importance of buying local and sustainable products by visiting these stores or even participating in the making of some of the items. You can even explore online platforms that specialize in eco-friendly Diwali products.
Conclusion
Celebrating Diwali in an eco-friendly way is not only beneficial for the planet but also teaches children the importance of sustainability and environmental responsibility. By using natural decorations, making homemade gifts, opting for eco-friendly diyas, and saying no to crackers, kids can help make Diwali a cleaner and greener festival for future generations.
At Funtastiic, we believe in celebrating festivals responsibly and ensuring that our children learn to make a positive impact on the environment. This Diwali, let’s illuminate not only our homes but also our hearts with eco-conscious choices that make the world a better place for everyone