Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: 10 Eco-Friendly Ways To Celebrate The Festival

1. Choose an Eco-Friendly Idol: Choose idols that are made of natural clay, papier-mâché, or other biodegradable material. Do not use images made from plaster of Paris (POP), as they take nearly three years to biodegrade and further 500 years to secrete dangerous chemicals into the water bodies.  (Image source: Canva)

2. Natural Decorations: Rely on flowers, leaves, jute twines, and any other organic material in decoration arrangements instead of plastic foams and artificial products. Recycling and use of vintage fabrics and materials may be considered good ideas when it comes to designing home decor.  (Image source: Pinterest/ Jayashree Bhave)

3. Green Immersion Practices: It is therefore advisable to submerge the idol in a water tank or water tub at home instead of in natural sources of water. This reduces pollution of water and, at the same time, conserves the lives of water-dwelling organisms.  (Image source: Pinterest/ Satarupa Satapathy)

4. Plant a Tree: Therefore, for the celebrations, it should become customary to plant a tree or a sapling. It not only forms a structure of the greenery, but it also stresses the spirit of a new start, which is actually related to the festival.  (Image source: Canva)

5. Eco-Friendly Puja Items: While worshipping, do not use synthetic colours for the flowers; prepare the garlands at home and use natural incense sticks. Be innovative in your choice of a biodegradable item for the rituals; do not use plastics on your packaging.  (Image source: Pinterest/ uma sharma)

6. Community Celebration: Promote community celebrations with only one idol for immersion so as to minimise the number of immersions and the wastes produced. This also creates a platform for unity and a way of eradicating carbon footprints through joint celebrations.  (Image source: Pinterest/ Archana Arjun)

7. Reduce Noise Pollution: Replace loudspeakers and fire crackers with traditional music and traditional musical instruments. It is also important because loud noise is obtrusive to the inhabitants of the area and creates stress in people and animals.  (Image source: Pinterest/ Indigenous Arts Foundation)

8. Promote Carpooling and Public Transport: This should be done by giving the guests suggestions about how they should come to the party through either private car or public means. It also helps to minimise air pollution and traffic jam incidents, especially during the festive season.  (Image source: Canva)

9. Recycle and Reuse: Make sure that all the materials used when decorating and celebrating are properly discarded after the festival. Recycle as much as possible for next year’s celebrations or other functions in an effort to reduce waste that goes directly to the dump.  (Image source: Pinterest)

10. Spread Awareness: Promote recycling or power conservation tips during the festive season or call upon residents to organise a clean-up for the Ganesha idol immersion. Post pictures, videos, and useful information to encourage people to celebrate sustainably.  (Image source: Canva)

Inputs By: Hrishit Panthry, Co-founder, Envirocare Foundation (Image source: Canva)