Celebrating Diwali the Safe Way: The Green Way

Well with the increasing levels of pollution in the city, it is high time that we enlighten ourselves about how to keep a curb on this. First step towards observing an eco sensitive Diwali is to be aware of what impact these boisterous celebrations have on our environment. Unfortunately the remnants of fire cracker explosion aren’t bio degradable. So say yes to ‘life’ and ditch fire crackers. To many of us it seems appropriate but little do we realize that today billions of people will burst crackers and the amount of pollution generated couldn’t be calculated. Also we forget that this temporary joy of watching cracker show is going to bring us a hard time ahead with the intense air pollution. Upon explosion crackers release toxic gases and the noise they produce is deafening for the animals.

In the production process of these crackers, children are employed. Because of the hazardous nature of the work, these children often fall sick and die in their early teens.  Below is a quick analysis of chemicals used in crackers and the harm they pose:

• Cadmium: causes anaemia and kidney damage.
• Copper: causes irritation in the respiratory tract.
• Magnesium: can react violently with moisture in the air and cause burns.
• Lead: its toxic fumes can cause fever.
• Zinc: can induce vomiting.
• Nitrate: culprit for coma and mental impairment.

Crackers generate noise of over 125 decibels which can cause high blood pressure, hearing (temporary or permanent relative deafness), sleeping disturbances and heart attack. These man – made crackers are made up of raw materials that are acquired from nature. Metals are non – renewable and are sure to run out someday. And this has been further exacerbated by excessive consumerism during festive time – be it any festival. Imagine the amount of resulting waste! Where it would go finally?

With the growing awareness, several groups have started rethinking about making traditional celebrations more environment friendly. For instance, last year students of NCL School, Pune observed the festival by giving away clothes and eatables to less privileged children. Sharing food and clothes with less privileged is one way. Other ways include donating for relief operations or causes, indulging in community celebrations instead of celebrating individually, using as many earthen lamps as possible, reusing the decorative items etc. We hope this time there will be an explosion of prosperity, peace and joy void of crackers.