5 Ways to celebrate an Eco-friendly Holi
This Holi go green!
Holi is around the corner, and many must have started preparations for this colorful festival. A bit of mischief in the atmosphere, people covered in color, gorging on delicious food is a typical scene of Holi. But this year with the pandemic, Holi celebration is going to be different, Holi will be played with the same level of joy but with a lot more precaution. Holi begins a night prior with Holika Dahaan, a traditional bonfire, where sticks and logs are collected and are burned. This has adverse effects on the environment as this releases carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide along with particulate matter which is an addition to already existing air pollution. On the next day people celebrate by applying color on each other, and with time the natural colors are replaced with chemical-based color, plastic balloons are used and a lot of water is wasted. Although this is a festival of fun and colors, many ignore the fact that it causes damage to the environment in many ways.
Social Lab always looks for ways to be eco-friendly in all the activities that it does. In the same spirit, let’s celebrate an eco-friendly Holi this year, with safety and the pleasure of protecting the environment. Here are a few ways to celebrate eco-friendly Holi.
- Burn environment-friendly waste Holi bonfire: Indian festivals are all about following traditions. Holi is no exception, this year let’s follow the tradition in an eco-friendly way. Usually wood is used for Holi bonfires, and many people add plastic waste to this as well which results in release of harmful gases leading to air pollution. Instead use cow-dung cake, coconut waste, waste boxes etc. This helps in saving precious trees from getting cut and less impact on the environment.
- Use natural/ homemade colors over chemical-based colors: The chemical-based colors can harm your eyes, ears and skin and are difficult to wash off while taking a bath. Using all natural colors will ensure there is no harm to your skin, ear and eyes and it is easy to make them at home using dried leaves, flower petals, beetroot etc. Or simply play a dry holi with flowers and save water.
3. Say no to balloons, plastic bags and Pichkari (Water Gun): Water balloons have become favorite not only for the kids but also grownups. They enjoy throwing these balloons filled with colored water, which seems fun but is dangerous for the environment and stray dogs. The remains of these balloons cause environmental pollution. This Holi, pledge to not use balloons or Pichkari (water gun)and plastic bags and encourage others to do the same.
4. Zero waste Holi: If playing Holi with flowers, then don’t dump the flower waste into the dustbin instead opt for composting. The flowers used during the puja ceremony of Holi can also be used for composting.
5. Use upcycled products as decoration: Holi is an auspicious occasion and family members gather together, pray and have a family feast. Houses are decorated with artificial plastic decorations like plastic flowers and leaves. Instead this year opt for a DIY decoration which is upcycled, you can use newspapers, magazines etc to make such decorations. This will save a lot of money spent on plastic decorations.
Social lab believes in celebrating all the festivals in a way that won’t harm the environment and will be a zero waste celebration. It adores the environment and understands the responsibility towards it and will encourage companies and people to do the same.
Wishing you all a very happy and safe Holi !
Contributed By- Ashlesha Karande, Communication Executive at Social Lab
Social Lab Environmental Solutions is a waste management company, which helps brands take-back and scientifically dispose of post-consumer plastic waste of their products. Brands take our services to fulfill Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) obligation under Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2018.
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