Want to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi without going on a guilt trip? Let us show you how.
Festivals add color, fun, and gaiety to our lives. But often, they also add something that is not so good for human beings and the world at large. It is none other than pollution, which affects our health and the health of our environment. For instance, crackers used during Diwali cause air pollution. The immersion of thermocol idols in water bodies causes water pollution. Paints, garlands, plastic decorations, etc., add to the damage. In a way, it’s like soiling our own house. If you look at the world as your extended abode, you can’t help but notice the ways in which you are destroying it by using things that harm it and all those who live in it. Our children and their future generations will pay a heavy price for our thoughtlessness. But you can stop it from happening by being more responsible. For starters, be more eco-friendly in your celebrations.
An eco-friendly Ganesh Chaturthi
The upcoming Ganesh Chaturthi festival is a good opportunity to turn over a new leaf and display your eco-friendly credentials. Usually, during the festival, people immerse idols made of non-degradable materials like thermocol and plastic in water bodies. They use mica-infused rangoli colors and litter the place with cast-off flower garlands and other decoration items. All these pollute the environment. We have a responsibility towards planet Earth, and we should not forget it. The good news is, you can enjoy and celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi in a grand manner that is also eco-friendly. Here are 10 tips to help you celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi in an eco-friendly manner.
1. The first thing to remember is that the pandemic is not over yet. Ganesh Chaturthi is a joyous occasion, and people tend to get together with kith and kin and make merry. But this year too, as in 2020, it’s better to have a low-key celebration. Have a celebration at home, and invite only close friends and relatives.
2. When buying an idol, choose ones made of eco-friendly materials like clay and those colored with turmeric or multani-mitti. Idols made of thermocol, plastic, plaster of Paris, and other non-biodegradable materials must be avoided. Planter Ganesha idol comprising red soil, natural fertilizer, and Tulsi seeds is a popular option these days.
3. Buy a miniature idol, along with a small artificial water tank for the immersion/Visarjan ritual. This will help you to avoid water pollution. Or have a symbolic immersion by submerging a betel nut in a bucket of water.
4. Use natural colors like gulaal and turmeric instead of chemical-based colors. Flowers like marigold, jasmine, and rose can be used for your rangoli design, too.
5. Don’t use too many decorative items, whether they're garlands or thermocol amulets, because of the problem of disposal. Biodegradable items like garlands can be used as fertilizer. The latter should be used minimally or not at all.
6. Avoid using plastic bags, cutlery, and containers. Instead, use those made of wood or paper. Prasad can be served on paper plates and not styrofoam. Plastic is very damaging to the environment.
7. If you live in a residential colony, place two big waste bins for residents to discard their waste. One can be for recyclable materials, and the other can be used for biodegradable waste. The latter can also be used later as a community compost pit. The compost generated can be used for fertilizing plants in gardens or parks nearby.
8.Avoid crackers. This helps to reduce pollution and trauma for animals. Pets and stray animals that live on the streets are traumatized by the sound of crackers. Ganesha will appreciate your kindness towards animals and not judge you for failing to burst crackers.
9. Dial down your energy consumption. Of course, you may want to light up your house on Ganesh Chaturthi, but you don’t need 6 strings of LED lights, do you? Get some eco-friendly options like earthen diyas.
10. Ganesh Chaturthi is a noisy festival, but not everyone appreciates noise. Our need to escape boredom and have fun should not clash with other people’s needs for peace and permissible sound levels. Loud sound, too, pollutes the environment and affects our health negatively.
Ganesh Chaturthi/Vinayagar Chaturthi 2021 is on September 10. Celebrate the festival responsibly for a healthy planet and healthy future generations with the help of these 10 tips for an eco-friendly celebration.
