Why is A Greener Approach Required?
Total dissolved solids (TDS), heavy metals, and acid levels in water all rise as a result of using less environmentally friendly equipment. It destroys marine life and aquatic vegetation, harming the undersea ecology. People often throw away Ganesh idol accessories like thermocol, plastics, and other items, which increases the contamination of the water supply.
Any natural object made of easily discardable materials, such as ferns, flowers, or leaves, can work well as decor. A reusable cotton decor is a terrific option if one does need to choose anything extra, though. It is reusable for other celebrations and events.
“We need to start being mindful about this and do our best to have an eco-friendly celebration, keeping the waste products to a minimum, it’s least we can do to contribute to the wellbeing of our planet earth,” says Ms Pooja Hemdev Lalwani, a Biodiversity Conservationist, an Author and Founder of Roots Nature Club. As per the suggestion of the biodiversity conservationist, the following mentioned suggestions are an approach toward an eco-friendly celebration of Ganeshotsav:
Look For Greener Options:
Avoid any extra lights in your Ganpati decor. Diyas will not just add a traditional touch but also be quite an energy efficient. Leaf and flower confetti is a great idea for processions as compared to plastic,thermocol – plastic thermocol confetti can be very dangerous, especially if ingested by animals such as stray cows and dogs, which often happens.
Check out this Instagram Reel to know a unique and eco-friendly Ganesha Decor method!
Clay Ganesha Idols:
The best alternative to traditional POP idols is undoubtedly clay and environmentally friendly idols. The enormous Ganesha idols that are submerged in the neighbouring bodies of water end up clogging them and dispersing pollutants. We can instead choose clay idols that instantly disintegrate when submerged in water. They are harmless to the health of the water bodies and biodegrade easily.
Check out this Instagram Reel to know how to make a clay Ganesha.
Opt For A Small And Simple Ganesha Idol
Even though the enormousness of the idols marks the vastness of the festival, it is considered to opt for simple, small idols. It’s challenging to handle and submerge large idols. At home, little idols can be submerged in a bathtub of water.
Promote Man-Made Visarjan Pounds
Disposing of the idol in man-made visarjan ponds is a good idea to curb water pollution. Another great solution to this would be to use an oversized water drum or tubs at home to carry out the visarjan- Once the Ganesha idol is fully submerged and visarjan rituals are completed, the water can also be used to water your home plants.
Don’t Let Bappa Go!
A lot of people opt for Ganpati idols that don’t have to be submerged at all. Another great idea. These are generally made of marble or metal and are submerged in drums or tubs at home but not disposed of and then the same idol is reused the next year. Emotion is what matters when you’re doing something such as worshipping God.
Volunteer Yourself For Waste Collection
Buildings, societies, and local communities can organise for communal compost build during such occasions. They can arrange for the collection of compostable waste from the area because certainly a lot of it is produced in households and public Ganpati pandals during the occasion. The same can be used for neighbourhood plants and trees.
What Else Can Be Used
Fresh flowers, leaves, and diyas. Rangolis can be created as another way to enhance the natural beauty of your Ganpati celebrations. Instead of stitching plastic bandhanwars from the store, consider making ones out of flowers, clay, thread, clothing, etc.