Reduce. Recycle. Refuse. Reuse: Four simple steps to a ‘Green Diwali’

Here are a few fun ideas to help you celebrate the festival of lights, camera and filter, while caring for earth.

Diwali is traditionally a time to relax, connect and celebrate. But unless it’s a Green Diwali you’re planning, it’s also the most wasteful, consumer-driven and stressful time.

Here are a few fun ideas to help you celebrate the festival of lights, camera and filter, while caring for earth. (YouTube)

But it doesn’t have to be.

With a little knowledge, some family discussion and a change of focus, it’s easy to turn a few Diwali customs around.

Here are a few fun ideas to help you celebrate the festival of lights, camera and filter, while caring for earth.

REDUCE: SAVE MONEY, GIFT A POTTED PLANT

Let’s be honest: Gift giving and Diwali are nearly synonymous. But shopping for thoughtful, eco-friendly gifts can be a tough task. Yet a succulent plant or any other houseplant is a hopelessly adorable gift no one could ever resist. The best part? They are one of the easiest indoor plants to keep alive. “As long as they’re kept in sunny spots, they only need to be watered about once a week in the summer and once a month in the winter,” says Delhi-based gifts curator Anuj Mittal.

RECYCLE: DIY DECOR THAT’S ACTUALLY CHIC

Part of the Diwali fun is also in creating a festive wonderland both inside and outside your home using simple, affordable and beautiful decorations.

Here’s how you can recycle everyday items in innovative ways to create a beautiful home:

Think used paper cups or old mugs. Make a serious nod to eco-friendly decor with a set of funky paper cup planter or mug or vase hangers or tiny tabletop planters. So go on, get creative.

If you want to give your Diwali lights a twist, all you need to do is find some pretty wrapping paper, glue, paper/plastic cups and stick the light through.

REFUSE: SAY YES TO FIRE CRACKER ALTERNATIVES

‘Fireless firecrackers’ are a much quieter, flame-free and kid-friendly alternative for sensitive ears. You can make poppers with recycled bottles, balloons and confetti without adding to the already polluted airs of the city.

Glowsticks are another great (and cheap) alternative for night-time fun. “Even balloon fireworks are satisfyingly loud and sparkly,” says Mittal.

REUSE: DECORATE WITH BIODEGRADABLE AND REUSABLE RANGOLI

Rice and pulses are a perfectly acceptable Diwali rangoli decoration choice. “Working with rangoli colours can be difficult, but rice is a much easier option. You can make coloured rice using herbal colours at home. It is easy to clean, environment-friendly and creative,” says Kolkata-based school art teacher Hrithik Bannerjee.

In addition, you could also play around with your choice of stick-on gems to make “rearrangeable rangoli” that can be used year after year.

So there you are: Ready to add a new life to your Diwali celebrations this year.