October 23 marked the Supreme court verdict by banning the toxic crackers and permitting only green crackers on Diwali 2k18. Although, these orders were for Delhi-NCR only, but it should be a practice worldwide to celebrate eco-friendly and green diwali. This diwali celebrate it the eco-friendly way. The fact is that we are moving away from the real essence of this ‘festival of lights’. It is becoming a problem for the environment all over India due to the carelessness and heedlessness of the people.

Let us look at ways to celebrate a green diwali this year:

1. Decorate your house with locally made earthen pots and lighten up someone else’s house too

This diwali lighten up your house with earthen wears that are locally made by the artisans. Don’t go for expensive and imported ones or the plastic ones. Be a nationalist and serve your country first. When you buy these pots, you lighten up the house of those people too.

2. A diwali without firecrackers

Diwali is the most awaited festival for all of us. And the most thrilling and entertaining part of this festival is the burning of firecrackers and get excited by their vibrant colours and sounds. In this excitement, what we forget is the daily news on air pollution and noise pollution and what effects they are causing to our bodies. The air quality index (AQI) is degrading continuously and early mornings are welcomes with poor visibility due to smog. Bursting firecrackers is not at all healthy for our ecology.

These firecrackers are the leading cause of pollution in today’s scenario. Moreover, the sound they create causes harm to the animals and birds. These crackers are made of toxic substances and when they enter our atmosphere, they pollute it with toxic gases. Moreover these crackers are made by the little children. Just think of it for a second, toxic substances handled by those children. Don’t you think it affects their health too!?

3. Energy can neither be created nor destroyed, but the form in which its available is destroying

Homes are adorned with colourful lights on this festival. But this way, the already overloaded electric sources are put on more load with these lights. We should use energy efficiently and thoughtfully so as to preserve it for our future generations.

4. A bane for asthmatics

Let everyone enjoy this festival. But those who have respiratory illness fall a victim to the celebrations as they don't get pure air to breathe in. Such people should consume more of antioxidants to keep their lungs healthy.

• Curcumin in turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties and relieves inflammation of airways and tightness of chest caused by asthma.
  
• Dry lungs are prone to infection and inflammation. So drink at least 6-8 glasses of water to keep yourself hydrated.
  
• Garlic acts as a strong antioxidant and flushes the toxins out of the body.
  
• Apples come packed with antioxidants and keep the lungs healthy.
  
• Walnuts are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. Eating a handful of them can help fight asthma and other respiratory conditions.
  

The final word

Come and do a bit for the society this diwali. Don’t forget to encourage others too to celebrate an environmentally safe Diwali.