Civil society groups are coming together all over the country to campaign for a green Diwali and how to celebrate Diwali that is pollution free. The Diwali ban could be the harbinger of a movement against the noise pollution and air contamination unleashed by ear shattering firecrackers. Diwali, in the traditional sense, has little to do with myriad fireworks. Here are 10 green Diwali ideas and pollution free festival of lights and how to celebrate Diwali without crackers.

1) Instead of polluting the environment, you can eschew the firecrackers and celebrate a really “Green Diwali”. It can be an eco-friendly affair this year. Don’t use electric lights. Instead, go for small earthen lamps and candles. It would reduce electricity consumption. Flickering lamps look better too. Go for LED lights if there is has to be electric illumination (they use 80% less energy than regular lights) to celebrate pollution free Diwali.

2) Although crackers are banned in Delhi, people in other places could go for environment-friendly ones that are considered less polluting than others. Better still, give firecrackers a complete miss this Diwali.

3) Use natural colors rather than chemical colors and use natural ingredients such as rice powder (white); pulses or turmeric (yellow); cloves or cinnamon (brown); cardamom or fennel (green)

4) Use fresh flowers such as marigold, jasmine, roses and lilies for decoration to suit the festive ambience in place of gaudy streamers and electric lights.

5) Use eco-friendly paint for your homes to celebrate pollution free Diwali.

6) Use organic incense sticks as well as fresh flowers. Stay away from synthetic room fresheners.

7) Eschew commercial sweets; they have too much artificial color and sugar. Make your own sweets such as Laddoos, Barfi, Kheer, Gajar ka halwa using natural items such as milk, coconut, jaggery, dry fruits, etc. They will be both unadulterated and nutritious.

8) Don’t buy wrapping paper for gifts and stop trees from getting cut. Use painted newspaper, pieces of cloth, etc. instead.

9) Try making your own Diwali cards. If you don’t fancy making them, go the technology way. Just tweet, message on Facebook or SMS your wishes or WhatsApp them.

10) Create awareness about the environment, organize nature walks and talks on the topic. You could also host a marathon on the subject to create awareness to celebrate pollution free Diwali.

You can still have the fun and celebrate a green Diwali clean Diwali. Let’s all take the pledge on green Diwali.

About Ushi Fatma

Author at greenubuntu.com. I am a freelance journalist, environment activist, fashion blogger, and a short film and documentary maker. My association with Taru Mitra, an organisation working hard for the environment in India, taught me the value of nature preservation. I want to make the world a better place for future generations. Being a mother, I know how important it is to do that. I love nature, art and creativity.