Eco-friendly Holi: tips to celebrate the festival in a greener way

March 4, 2023

Traditional way of celebrating Holi can be wasteful and harmful to the environment. Using synthetic colors, excessive water consumption, and single-use plastic can all contribute to pollution and environmental degradation.

Introduction

Holi, also known as the Festival of Colors, is a widely celebrated Hindu festival that signifies the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring. It is a day when people from all walks come together to throw colored powder, dance, and feast. However, the traditional way of celebrating Holi can be wasteful and harmful to the environment. Using synthetic colors, excessive water consumption, and single-use plastic can all contribute to pollution and environmental degradation. Fortunately, there are ways to celebrate Holi in a more eco-friendly way.

Tips to celebrate holi in a greener way

1. Use Natural Colors

The use of synthetic colors during Holi can be harmful to both the environment and human health. These colors contain harmful chemicals such as lead, mercury, and chromium, which can cause skin allergies, respiratory problems, and even cancer. Moreover, synthetic colors do not dissolve easily and can cause water pollution.

Instead, opt for natural colors from organic materials such as turmeric, henna, and beetroot. These natural colors are not only safe for the environment and human health, but they are also easy to make at home. For example, you can make yellow from turmeric powder, red from henna, and pink from beetroot.

2. Avoid Water Wastage

Water is a precious resource, and excessive consumption during Holi can lead to water scarcity in some areas. Instead of using water to play Holi, consider using dry colors, flower petals, or eco-friendly confetti. You can also organize a Holi party that includes fun activities such as music, dance, and food instead of relying solely on playing with water.

If you decide to use water, ensure it is not wasted. Instead of letting the water run continuously, fill a bucket or a tub with water and use it for playing Holi. After the celebrations, reuse the water for gardening or cleaning.

3. Opt for Organic Food

Holi is a day when people indulge in sweets, snacks, and other delicacies. However, using pesticides and fertilizers in conventional farming can lead to environmental pollution and health hazards. Therefore, opt for organic food that is grown without the use of harmful chemicals.

You can prepare organic snacks such as gujiya, mathri, and namak pare or order them from local organic food stores. Additionally, use natural sweeteners such as jaggery or honey instead of refined sugar.

4. Reduce Air Pollution

Using firecrackers during Holi can lead to air pollution, which can adversely affect human health. Moreover, the smoke from firecrackers can cause respiratory problems and trigger allergies.

Instead of firecrackers, consider eco-friendly alternatives such as sparklers or glow sticks. You can also organize a community bonfire that uses natural materials such as wood or dried leaves.

5. Clean Up After the Celebrations

After the celebrations, it is important to clean up the area and dispose of the waste properly. This can help prevent littering and protect the environment.

You can encourage your friends and family to participate in the clean-up process and provide them with garbage bags to collect the waste. Make sure to segregate the waste into biodegradable and non-biodegradable categories and dispose of them accordingly. You can also recycle the waste, such as plastic and paper, or use them for composting.

6. Spread Awareness

One of the most important ways to celebrate Holi in a greener way is to spread awareness about eco-friendly practices. You can talk to your friends and family about the harmful effects of synthetic colors, single-use plastic, and firecrackers and encourage them to adopt eco-friendly practices.

You can also organize a community event or a workshop to educate people about the importance of celebrating Holi in an environmentally responsible manner. Additionally, you can share your eco-friendly Holi experiences on social media to inspire others to follow this.

Eco-friendly Holi colors

While it is easy to make natural colors at home, several brands sell eco-friendly Holi colors that are safe for the environment and human health. Here are some brands that you can consider:

1. Organic India

Organic India is a company that sells herbal gulal packs of four (that’s right, four different colors!) These kits are designed to help improve the skin’s appearance and health. They contain cornstarch as the main ingredient, claimed to be free from harmful chemicals and toxins. You can purchase these kits online or in stores and use them as directed by the instructions on the packaging. The company also claims its products do not cause skin infections or harm the eyes. In addition, they sell other organic beauty products, such as face masks, body lotions, and soaps.

2. Satavic Farms

Satavic Farms is a leading brand in the organic color industry. They produce high-quality colors using all-natural ingredients. These colors are suitable for use in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Satavic Farms’ products are lab tested and non-toxic, making them trusted by consumers. The company is also committed to environmental sustainability, using eco-friendly methods to produce its products. Overall, Satavic Farms is a trustworthy brand that offers high-quality colors at an affordable price.

3. Lustrous Herbal Gulal

Lustrous Herbal Gulal is a highly effective, natural, and skin-friendly herbal solution made from a combination of several different herbs. Each packet contains five colors – red, green, orange, yellow, and blue – all-natural, non-toxic, and skin-friendly. The colors in Lustrous Herbal Gulal are sourced from plants that are rich in lutein, zeaxanthin, and various carotenoids. These antioxidants have been shown to have numerous health benefits for the body, including the prevention of heart disease and age-related eye disorders.

4. Tota Brand

Tota Brand is renowned in the herbal hues and color cosmetics industry. The company has been manufacturing high-quality products since 1970. Their colors are made using natural ingredients and are biodegradable and friendly to the skin. They offer a wide range of colors that can be used for various purposes, such as makeup, hair styling, and decorating. In addition, the colors have no plastic substance, making them 100% natural, safe, and environment-friendly.

5. Red Earth India

Red Earth India is a company that makes unadulterated, botanical gulaals—a type of natural perfume—from edible materials. They use various methods to extract the oils from their ingredients, such as maceration, solvent extraction, and steam distillation. This process ensures that the resulting products are free of chemicals and additives.

In addition to offering a wide range of colors and scents, Red Earth India also sells supplies for making your gulaal at home. They have everything you need to get started! Plus, they offer a 20 percent discount to students and teachers. So if you’re looking for a natural way to fragrance your home or yourself, try them!

In conclusion, Holi is a beautiful festival that celebrates love, harmony, and the arrival of spring. However, it is important to celebrate it in an environmentally responsible way. By following these eco-friendly tips, we can ensure that we enjoy the festivities without harming the environment and contribute to a sustainable future. Happy Holi!

FAQ

What is an eco-friendly Holi?

An eco-friendly Holi is a celebration of the festival of colors that is mindful of its environmental impact. It involves using natural, biodegradable, and non-toxic colors, reducing water usage, and avoiding plastic waste.

What are some tips for celebrating an eco-friendly Holi?

Here are some tips for celebrating an eco-friendly Holi:

Use natural, organic, and biodegradable colors from flowers, herbs, and vegetables.
Avoid synthetic colors that contain harmful chemicals and toxins.
Use minimal water for playing with colors and opt for dry Holi celebrations.
Organize community gatherings to reduce the environmental impact and save water.
Avoid plastic bags, plates, and cups and reusable or biodegradable alternatives.
Educate others about the importance of celebrating an eco-friendly Holi.

Why is it important to celebrate an eco-friendly Holi?

Celebrating an eco-friendly Holi is important to protect the environment and reduce the impact of harmful chemicals and waste on our planet. It also helps to promote sustainable practices and raise awareness about the importance of preserving natural resources.

How can we make natural colors for Holi?

Natural colors for Holi can be made from flowers, herbs, and vegetables. For example, yellow can be made from turmeric, red from beetroot, green from henna, and blue from indigo leaves. These colors can be ground into a fine powder and mixed with water or flour to make a paste.

Social Media