Fresh Starts

The poisonous smoke and the loud noises that our beloved sutli bombs and rockets emit are perhaps the biggest polluting culprits. One can,of course,try and burst fewer crackers or none at all. But if you’re one of those who just can’t celebrate Diwali without sending a few rockets into the sky,then opt for the eco-friendly variety. Malad-based Sai Prasad Fireworks specialise in crackers which emit less smoke and stay within the prescribed decibel levels,apart from being very reasonably priced. Owner Yatin Shingre says,“We started selling eco-friendly crackers about five years ago. Although people didn’t understand the concept as well then,the idea is beginning to catch on.”

The shop now mostly stocks eco-friendly crackers,and going by the queue of customers snaking out of the shop and onto the street,it’s clear that most people are very open to buying these eco-friendly crackers. “We just ensure that the smoke is less and that they’re not too loud — the crackers are still as beautiful as more traditional ones,once they’ve been lit.” To those who can’t bring themselves to give up on traditional firecrackers,he suggests,“Try more sparklers. They’re among the least polluting of firecrackers.”

Apart from adopting environment-friendly crackers,one can also take up other green options such as rangolis made of different-coloured pulses and grains. Or give up electric fairy-lights and lanterns and instead light up the home with earthen diyas and long-lasting cloth lanterns. If you want a really funky option,without the danger of a fire hazard,SoBo and Bandra-based boutique Besos stock flash ice-cubes,which only need to be dropped in a glass of water to light them up. They have the additional attraction of being re-usable. Shopping for new clothes is another Diwali tradition,which can result in wasteful use of paper wrappings and plastic bags. Instead,designer Bennu Sehgall suggests the more eco-friendly option would be to rummage through your own wardrobe to put together a new look by combining old clothes in new ways. She says,“The retro look is in this season — it’s hip,costs less and has the advantage of being easily available in everyone’s wardrobe. That’ll make for a fun,fashionable and eco-friendly Diwali.”