This Diwali, light up lives and not crackers – with Milaap!

Diwali is here – can lights, sweets and firecrackers be far away?

While the first two aspects are something we eagerly look forward to, it would be good to re-think going overboard on firecrackers – especially in the light of the associated noise pollution and air pollution they cause.

In our previous article, we spoke about how Diwali home decorations can be done by using home decor. Hyperlink: (http://www.commonfloor.com/guide/diwali-home-decoration-with-reuse-home-decor-6487.html  )  Let’s think about how we can make it a little eco-friendly and socially conscious as well.

Milaap.org, a social enterprise from Bangalore is urging everyone to celebrate a “Green Diwali” this year.

Milaap is encouraging people to say NO to crackers this Diwali, and instead spend that money on a good cause. They can pledge their support by signing the Green Diwali petition on the Halabol petition site here.

Each signature is more than just show of support – for every signature, one of Milaap’s sponsors, Arc Finance will contribute Rs 10 towards the cause of solar lighting in rural India. Milaap is hoping to get at least 20,000 signatures, and thereby raise at least Rs 2,00,000 and help families that live without electricity get access to solar lighting.

Established in 2010 and based in Bangalore, Milaap has raised Rs 3 crore as of November 2012 to help families get access to basic necessities like clean water, safe sanitation facilities and lighting solutions. The funds also help youngsters undergo vocational training and rural artisans and entrepreneurs set up and expand small businesses.

Go beyond the usual celebrations and reach out to those who don’t have access to basic amenities and light up their lives this festive season. You can start off by simply signing this petition-head over here and celebrate the joy of sharing with Milaap!