1. Choose an eco-friendly idol: Choose idols made of natural clay, paper mache, or other biodegradable material. Do not use images made of plaster of Paris (POP) as they take almost three years to biodegrade and another 500 years to secrete hazardous chemicals into water bodies. (Image source: Canva)
2. Natural Decorations: Use flowers, leaves, jute twines and any other organic materials in your decorative arrangements instead of plastic foams and artificial products. Recycling and using old fabrics and materials can be considered good ideas when designing home decor. (Image Source: Pinterest/ Jayashree Bhave)
3. Eco-friendly immersion practices: Therefore, it is advisable to immerse the idol in a tank or tub of water at home rather than in natural sources of water. This reduces water pollution and at the same time conserves the lives of organisms inhabiting the water. (Image source: Pinterest/ Satarupa Satapathy)
4. Plant a tree: Therefore, for celebrations, it should become a custom to plant a tree or a sapling. Not only does it form a greenery structure, but it also emphasizes the spirit of a new beginning, which is actually related to the holiday. (Image source: Canva)
5. Eco-friendly items for puja: During worship, do not use synthetic colours for flowers; prepare garlands at home and use natural incense sticks. Be innovative in choosing a biodegradable item for rituals; do not use plastics in packaging. (Image source: Pinterest/ uma sharma)
6. Community Celebration: Promote community celebrations with only one idol per immersion to minimise the number of immersions and the waste produced. This also creates a platform for unity and a way to eradicate carbon footprints through joint celebrations. (Image Source: Pinterest/ Archana Arjun)
7. Reduce noise pollution: replace loudspeakers and firecrackers with music and traditional musical instruments. It is also important because loud noise disturbs local residents and causes stress to people and animals. (Image source: Pinterest/ Indigenous Arts Foundation)
8. Encourage carpooling and public transport – This should be done by offering guests suggestions on how they can get to the party by private car or public means. It also helps to minimise air pollution and traffic jams, especially during the festive season. (Image source: Canva)
9. Recycle and reuse: Make sure all materials used to decorate and celebrate are disposed of properly after the festival. Recycle as much as possible for next year’s celebrations or other functions in an effort to reduce waste going straight to the landfill. (Image source: Pinterest)
10. Spread information: Promote recycling or energy-saving tips during the festive season or call on residents to organise a clean-up for the Ganesha idol immersion. Post images, videos and useful information to encourage people to celebrate sustainably. (Image source: Canva)
Contributions from: Hrishit Panthry, Co-Founder, Envirocare Foundation (Image source: Canva)
Published on: 01 Sep 2024 11:37 am (IST)
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