Eco-Friendly Diwali

Things are changing and people are becoming more and more aware of the topics such as global warming and climate change. This Diwali I could notice some change in people's attitudes. It could be because of the recent floods or the cut backs in spending but there were fewer people bursting crackers with a lot less air pollution and noise pollution. I was glad that the local radio stations were making an effort to educate people about how Diwali could be made less harmful to the environment and also more enjoyable with family and friends. It is a festival of lights and not fireworks was the theme. However, I have always felt there was one good side effect from all the smoke of the fire crackers - reduction in the mosquito menace. So I did buy and burst some silent and colourful fire crackers to kill the damn mosquitoes. Not sure if that helped but the kids enjoyed the fire works. The day after Diwali is a nightmare for the city authorities to clean up the trash so I guess a Diwali with lights, colourful but silent fireworks and a responsible disposal of the trash should be the way to go.