Environment-friendly Holi: Do’s and Don’ts
Holi, the festival of colours is one of the popular Indian festivals. Along with enjoyment and fun, you must be aware of its impact on the environment. The festival of Holi, which is synonymous with fun and enjoyment, has some negative sides which harms the environment. The uses of artificial colours that are made using structured polymers not only impact the skin but are also very difficult to decompose biological. Chemicals in the colours are harmful to the skin and eyes especially for people with sensitive skin including children. The colors when washed with water clog the drains and get mixed with sewage and pollute our water bodies and soil.
5 Do’s and Don’ts for Holi
From youngsters to adults and senior citizens, irrespective of caste, creed and gender, participate in Holi festivities. Celebrated to mark the end of the long winter season and the onset of spring, Holi today has become one of the most commercialized festivals of the country. From the toxic chemicals used in the Holi colors to the use of cheap plastic water guns and balloons, the festival is impacting our environment in the long run. Here are some common do’s and don’ts that we must incorporate while celebrating Holi to make sure our festivities do not impact our immediate environmental surroundings and Mother nature in a negative way.
Use Organic Colour instead of Regular Colour: The use of toxic colours is one of the biggest factors that must be nipped in the bud to avoid a negative impact on the environment. Instead of using cheap laboratory made colours, opt for fresh natural organic colours. Organic colours may be a little expensive but when a large number of people start buying them, the cost is likely to come down. Also compared to the absolutely no negative impact on our skins and the environment, the added money is well spent.
Keep a Tab on Water Wastage: There are places in India where water shortage is leading to difficult life situations and even suicides. Water waste during Holi is a big challenge and everyone needs to do their bit to make sure no water is wasted. Opt for playing a dry Holi and keep the colorful spirit instead of using water which is being wasted down the drain.
Do not encourage cutting of Trees for Holi Bonfire: Burning of a bonfire on the eve of Holi is a significant religious tradition but instead of every house burning their own Holi, it’s a good idea to have a community bon fire. This way the wood being used can be minimized leading to a low impact on the trees being cut for Holi bonfire.
Minimize Plastic Wastage: The water of plastic water guns and water balloons usually goes unnoticed and people do not understand the grave consequences they cause of the environment. Plastic is non bio degradable and all such water balloons, plastic colour packets end up either clogged the drains or causing a negative impact on our health if burnt. Make sure you buy colours packed in paper bags instead and avoid using water balloons.
Avoid Loudspeakers and Keep Calm: One man’s festival should not be another man’s nuisance. Remember there are a lot of people who may not like the loud sound of blasting music and using high voltage music may hamper their comfort. Make sure the music in your Holi party is not loud and does not cause any inconvenience to any other person including the sick and the elderly.
Holi in 2015 will start on Friday, the 6th of March 2015. While celebrating Holi make sure our festivities do not impact our immediate environmental surroundings and Mother nature in a negative way. Wish you all a Happy Holi.
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