As the festival of lights approaches, the spirit of Diwali fills the air with joy, enthusiasm, and anticipation of celebrations. Diwali, a festival deeply rooted in Indian culture, symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. However, in recent years, the environmental impact of the festival has become a growing concern, especially in regions close to the capital, like our own Haryana. Being situated so near Delhi, it is paramount that we take responsible steps to minimize pollution, ensuring we contribute positively to our environment.
Embracing Green Celebrations
We are uniquely positioned to lead by example in promoting an eco-friendly Diwali. Our proximity to Delhi—a city already burdened with high levels of air pollution, partly exacerbated by the seasonal burning of Parali (stubble) in neighboring states—gives us all the more reason to opt for cleaner, greener celebration methods. The government's stringent measures to combat air pollution, including bans on firecracker sales and restrictions on crop burning, underscore the urgency of our actions.
Eco-Friendly Diwali Practices
1. Say No to Firecrackers: The traditional practice of bursting firecrackers significantly contributes to both air and noise pollution. Instead, we can illuminate our campus and homes with eco-friendly lights and diyas. Opting for LED lights, which consume less energy and last longer, is a small but meaningful step towards a sustainable festival.
2. Natural Decor: Instead of plastic decorations, we can use natural elements such as flowers, leaves, and handmade paper decorations. Engaging in DIY craft sessions for making such decor could also enhance the festive spirit among students while promoting environmental awareness.
3. Community Participation: Organizing community events that focus on eco-friendly practices can be a way of spreading awareness and increasing participation. Activities like planting trees, cleaning drives, and awareness campaigns about the effects of pollution can instill a sense of responsibility towards the environment.
4. Eco-Friendly Gifts: Gifting is a core part of Diwali celebrations. We can encourage the community to exchange gifts like potted plants, organic teas, and herbal products. As a pharmacy college, we could also innovate by creating health-centric gifts such as herbal supplements and eco-friendly skincare products made by our students.
5. Rethinking Rangoli: Rangoli is an essential Diwali tradition. Instead of chemical colors, we can use biodegradable materials like rice powder, flower petals, and leaves. This not only beautifies spaces naturally but also avoids the harm chemical colors can cause to the environment
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Legislative Support and Awareness
Supporting government initiatives, such as the ban on firecrackers and the control of stubble burning, is crucial. By adhering to these regulations and educating others about them, we amplify the positive impact we can have on our air quality during Diwali and beyond. Awareness campaigns can be conducted to explain the critical reasons behind these bans, highlighting how these actions are in place to ensure public health and safety.
Responsibility as a pharmacist
As future pharmacists and healthcare professionals, our role extends beyond the boundaries of direct health services; it includes promoting and modeling health-conscious behaviors within our communities, especially during significant cultural celebrations like Diwali. The choices we make in how we celebrate can have profound effects on public health. By choosing eco-friendly practices, we not only prevent pollution-related health issues but also educate our community on the importance of sustainability in health. This Diwali, let us use our expertise to advocate for practices that support both environmental and human health. For instance, we can organize workshops that teach how to make natural skincare products for Diwali gifts or provide information on the health impacts of air pollution. Through these actions, we affirm our commitment to the health of our community and our planet, embodying the true spirit of a healer.
Conclusion
Our celebration of Diwali can set a precedent for how festivals can be enjoyed responsibly. By adopting eco-friendly practices, we not only embrace the essence of Diwali but also protect our environment, ensuring that the true light of the festival is the awareness and care we show towards our planet. Let us light up Diwali in a way that illuminates the path to sustainability and wellness for all.
Crafted By: Lokit Balhara, B.Pharm-22