“Eco-Friendly” is the new buzz word, right from colours used for Holi to electronic gadgets, every product is labeled as eco-friendly. The concept of eco-friendly product was conceived when humans started realizing that their inventions might cause damage to nature and future generations.
Greenpeace is one of the pioneer organizations that recognized such problems and addressed them. The Greenpeace Hyderabad chapter began in mid-September 2014, initiated by activist Ali Abbas. In the initial meeting, we brainstormed about various local problems that have plagued the city and decided to address the problems related to bursting of crackers during Diwali. We planned three public engagement activities for this purpose. The first took place on the road in front of the popular mall in the city, Hyderabad Central, where we explained to people the ill-effects of bursting crackers.
Since we wanted to make the youth aware of the dire consequences of burning crackers as they are the major consumers, what could be a better place for our second activity than comic con to capture the attention of the young blood?
Our third activity was at one of the busiest locations in Hyderabad, the Lumbini Park. Our main goal was to present a point of view to people, allowing them to weigh the pros vs cons about busting crackers.
Diwali which is popularly known as festival of lights is an amalgam of several myths, the lights depict the victory of Lord Rama, and we pray to Lakshmi to pay respect to the riches that we possess, the diyas are lit in honor of Vikramaditya as he was coronated on this day of Karthikmaas. So, how is replacing earthen diyas, opting for pryo-based crackers in any way maintaining the true ethnicity of the festival? Don’t we jeopardize the safety of others when we burst crackers on the road? Don’t we encourage littering of roads? Let us all answer these questions while we celebrate Diwali this year. If you think that I am presenting a simple problem in a bombastic fashion please view the picture below for pictures speak louder than words.
We cannot expect a change within a day or two. We all need to take baby steps in order to reach the goal. So this Diwali, let us spend more time with our loved ones, make creative rangolis with diya and flowers, and donate to an underprivileged.
Let us minimize the crackers in the colony by proposing a community celebration in a park or open space. When people celebrate Diwali individually or in samll groups it not only reduces the amount of crackers burnt, but also prevents dangerous accidents that can happen.
We can also try to shun the use of crackers that cause heavy noise and air pollution. Other festive ideas include making creative handmade cards and gift handicrafts. This Diwali lets us be a bit more sensitive and think about others. Let the Rama within us take the decision. Someone very wise once told me that “Isse Diwali jab Lakshmi aaye aap ke dwar, pradushit na ho aap ka ghar sansar.” Let us adhere to these wise words this Diwali.
(Volunteer with Hyderbad Greens by mailing to Ali at 
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