5 ways you can make this Ganesh Chaturthi more eco-friendly and fun

Visarjan is an important aspect of the festival, yet has been causing water pollution. A symbolic visarjan done at home in a bucket or tub of water can be equally important. (Image: Canva)

Ganesh Chaturthi is the time to welcome one of our favourite Gods into our homes, Lord Ganesha. It is a joyous and vibrant festival, increasingly celebrated throughout the country. This year, think of how making small, conscious decisions can make Ganesh Chaturthi more eco-friendly yet fun!

Choose eco-friendly Ganesh idols

Idols these days are made of POP, which is non-biodegradable and toxic to marine life. Instead, go back to the traditional way of selecting idols. One can also go for modern materials like papier-mâché or some natural products like coconut, rice flour, or turmeric. These idols readily dissolve in water without causing river pollution.

Natural colours and decorations

This year, colour your Ganesh idol with organic paints rather than synthetic and chemical-based ones. Instead of those, use natural colours and materials made from turmeric, kumkum, and other organic elements. Using flowers leaves and other biodegradable materials not only evokes the old ways but is also friendlier to the ecology since they can revert to Mother Earth after the festival.

Avoid plastic use as much as possible

On the day of celebration, instead of plastic decorative items and plates and cups, make use of leaf plates, clay cups, and cloth or jute for decoration. This adds to your celebration traditionally with an eco-friendly touch. The materials used during festivals can also be reused or recycled from previous ones. This reduces a lot of waste and saves money. Create magic with DIY projects and have unique decorations that speak volumes about your style and get you loads of compliments.

Also see: 9 delicious treats to enjoy during Ganesh Chaturthi

Eco-friendly visarjan

Think of symbolic Visarjan this time. Visarjan is an important aspect of the festival, yet it has been causing water pollution. A symbolic visarjan done at home in a bucket or tub of water can be equally important, yet it's friendlier for Earth. The dissolved clay or natural materials can then be used to nourish the plants or as compost.

Eco-friendly offerings

For Prasad, choose organic fruits, homemade sweets, and flowers from your local nursery. You can compost the rest of the offerings after the festival or share them with friends and family so that nothing goes to waste.

These will not only be some celebratory sustainable practices but also help one have all the fun responsibly by keeping environmental care in mind. Make sure to encourage your friends and family to join you in the same way.