Have you ever thought that the amount of money you blow up on firecrackers during Diwali, India’s festival of lights, can actually feed a family of four for at least a day? This Diwali, here are my 5 reasons why you can make a difference to your neighbourhood and your environment:
- Stop Air Pollution
Be the one to do your bit to stop the acrid smoke and pollutants that clog Delhi sky after a Diwali firecracker burning spree. Every year around Diwali, the air quality of the city dips to alarming rates of pollution and this year, a World Health Organization report pegs the air quality of Delhi to be at an all-time low a day after Diwali. “Delhiites are going to breathe very poor-to-severe air at least for two days,” said Gufran Beig, chief scientist at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, referring to the day of Diwali and the day after. By controlling your urge to buy and burst firecrackers, you can help your city a little bit.
- Organize #Noshordiwali Or Noisefree Diwali For Peace
Use the Twitter hashtag #NoShorDiwali and spread the word about minimizing noise pollution. You can help raise awareness in your neighbourhood and support the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) which had formed seven teams to support the Delhi government in its efforts to reduce noise levels on the day of Diwali.
- Protest Against Sweatshops Run On Child Labour
Every year Diwali and firecrackers remind us about Shivakasi, in Tamilnadu, infamous for running units manufacturing firecrackers by children. In 2013, Last year, around 17 licenses of such units were cancelled after a raid revealed children below the age of 14 working in its’ extremely poisonous surroundings. Do your research before you buy that packet of fire crackers for a greener Diwali.
- Be An Animal Lover And Provide Shelter To Your Neighbourhood Animals Who Are Scared
Do you know how frightened a Diwali can make the animals in your neighbourhood? They don’t understand your happiness in playing with fire, and are totally scared of the sounds which hurt their sensitive eardrums. Be the man, and do the good for them. Make sure they are cared for and at a safe distance when you light those diyas. Stop the noise to provide a safe environment for your neighbourhood animals,
- Share Your Sweets And Gifts With One Unfortunate Family Or An NGO
Happiness is all about sharing and caring. This year, why not donate to your favourite NGO and see a face light up instead of the twinkling lights in your balcony? Your Diwali will be ten-times more beautiful with the good wishes of the unfortunate.
Sharing Thoughts of Delhi 