Mindful Diwali: Choose clay diyas, eco-friendly rangolis, fresh flowers to enjoy green Diwali

This Diwali as we celebrate with lights and decorations, let us take a moment to consider the impact of our choices on the environment. Every year, buying new lights, decorations, rangoli colours, is not only wasteful, it also adds to the environmental cost.

If you want to be mindful of the environmental impact you are creating, there are simple choices that you can make to celebrate Diwali in a more mindful way. By opting for eco-friendly decorations, we can honour our traditions while minimising waste.

Using natural clay diyas instead of plastic, for example, or choosing mindful decorations made from biodegradable materials, there are numerous such ways to decorate that reflect our love for the planet and our commitment to a sustainable future.

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Here are a few thoughtful decoration ideas that will help you illuminate you homes without compromising the health of our planet.

• Use natural diyas

An essential component of Diwali, diyas symbolize the victory of light. While you may see a lot of ads for plastic or electronic diyas that claim to last you for years, you might also want to think of the effect these non-biodegradable diyas have on the environment.

The traditional clay diyas, on the other hand, are inexpensive, biodegradable, will also last you year after year. Buying them will also support your local artisans, while also reminding you of the simpler Diwali decorations from your childhood.

Light your diyas with natural oils like mustard oil or ghee. This produces a lovely, cozy light and is more sustainable.

• Opt for LED lights

If you do want to do a full-blown fancy decoration and love string lights, choose energy-efficient LED lights over conventional incandescent bulbs. LED lights are an environmentally friendly option and will also use less electricity and last you longer. For added environmental effect, you can go for solar-powered LED lights for outdoor decorations. They are an excellent substitute for cutting down on energy use.

• Create eco-friendly rangolis

Diwali is also a time to decorate your home with beautiful rangolis. Instead of choosing newer, fancier rangoli colour options that may be synthetic or chemical-based, try natural, biodegradable alternatives. Using ingredients like rice flour, turmeric, flower petals, or even colourful pulses will not only make your rangoli striking, it will also ensure it is zero-waste.

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• Incorporate upcycled decorations

Rather than buying all new decorations every year, if you want to have a greener Diwali this year, get creative with items you already have in your house. Use old fabric, glass jars, or wine bottles to create unique and personal Diwali decorations. For example, you can paint glass bottles and use them as candle holders or use fabric scraps to create a colourful door bunting. Repurpose old sari fabric or dupattas as table runners or cushion covers to create a personal touch to your decor.

• Decorate with fresh flowers

This Diwali, use flowers to infuse your home with freshness. Decorating with fresh marigolds, jasmine, and roses will fill your home with their wonderful aroma. Plus, after the celebrations are over, you can collect all the flowers and use them as natural air fresheners or make them into compost.

• Choose handmade and local décor over mass-produced plastic

Plastic decorations are often used once and then thrown away, contributing to environmental pollution. Instead, invest in high-quality, reusable decorations made from sustainable materials like bamboo, wood, or metal.

Choose locally-produced and handcrafted décor over mass-produced, store-bought ones to support local artisans. Not only will they add a traditional touch to your home, handmade crafts made from clay, paper, and metal also help small businesses and lessen the environmental impact of large-scale manufacturing.

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• Use organic incense and fragrances

For your Diwali party or during your pooja, avoid chemical-laden air fresheners and candles. Instead, choose natural incense sticks made from organic materials like sandalwood, rose, or lavender. Opt for soy or beeswax candles, which are non-toxic and biodegradable. You can also use essential oil diffusers for a subtle and eco-friendly fragrance.

• Mindful gift wrapping

If you’re gifting during Diwali, consider using sustainable gift wrapping with biodegradable or reusable options like fabric, newspaper, or brown paper decorated with twine. Add a personal touch by using dried flowers, cinnamon sticks, or hand-painted designs to make your wrapping special.

Diwali is a time to bring light and positivity into our homes and lives, and this spirit can extend to how we choose to decorate. This Diwali, celebrate in a way that honours tradition, supports sustainability, and fills your home with love and light.