How to have an Eco-friendly Ganesh Utsav

Ganesh Chaturthi is a favourite festival of many Indians. The 10-day long celebration includes decorating Ganesha idols at home, the preparation of various delicacies, dancing and immersion of the idol on the last day. Most people don’t realize the harm that many activities during the festivities cause the environment. It is our duty and responsibility to maintain and preserve nature and the environment. There are many ways that we can celebrate a green, eco-friendly Ganesh Utsav:

1. Use eco-friendly idols: Most people use Ganesha idols made of chemicals, plaster of Paris, plastic, thermocol and other such harmful materials. Instead, get idols made of natural biodegradable materials like clay, paper mache (paper pulp of recycled paper), natural gum, chalk powder and painted with natural paints. The entire idol dissolves and is not toxic to the environment.

2. Conserve energy: Use CFLs instead of incandescent bulbs in all your lighting arrangements. In a country where many don’t have the luxury of electricity, it is our duty to conserve energy as much as possible.

3. Use natural materials for rangoli decorations. Avoid the use of chemicals.

4. Use the smallest idol possible. The bigger the idol, the more difficult will it be for it to dissolve, especially if it is not made of biodegradable materials.

4. Make use of natural decorations. Avoid plastic and non-biodegradable materials.

5. Avoid noise pollution by playing music at moderate levels and avoiding crackers which cause air pollution as well.

6.  Use paper plates and cups. Avoid the use of plastic in all festivities.

7.  Instead of harming natural water bodies, use artificial immersion tanks.

With these simple steps, one can protect the environment during the festive season!