Holi symbolises the renewal, rebirth, and gathering of people to enjoy the trivialities of life. Also popularly referred to as the “Festival of Colours,” it is a very colourful affair with historical and cultural significance. While the holiday was initially celebrated to welcome spring and commemorate the triumph of good over evil, today it has become synonymous with the colourful ritual of applying coloured powders and liquids to friends and relatives.

The colours used during Holi were derived from plants such as neem, palash, and hibiscus, which brought in different shades of natural pigments. With the rise of environmental awareness in recent years, the movement to promote eco-friendliness in festivals has been growing rapidly and calls for the use of non-toxic, biodegradable substances.

Celebrate Holi in an Eco-Friendly Way

It is more beneficial to celebrate Holi with an eco-friendly approach. This is because it lessens the environmental and health impacts usually associated with this festival’s traditional celebrations. The conventional Holi festivities generally involve chemical dyes and a large amount of water usage that may pollute not only the water but also the soil and air. 

These chemical dyes are not biodegradable and can cause health problems like itching, burning sensations, red eyes, and serious health issues. Moreover, the presence of plastics in water balloons and the packaging attached to these products also raises plastic waste, which we know to be an environmental problem.

To ensure your Holi celebrations are kinder to our planet, consider adopting these practices instead:

Reduce waste: Remember to reduce single-use plastics and disposables at the celebrations.

Choose biodegradable materials: Choose natural or organic instead of synthetic goods.

Spread awareness: Encourage your friends and family to join you in opting for sustainable decisions.

Also Read: Hacks To Keep Your Home Clean After Holi

Celebrate with a Dry Holi

One of the most effective ways to lower the amount of waste and pollution associated with Holi is to choose a “dry” celebration instead. Instead of throwing coloured water, use powder, which is obtained from natural sources such as flower petals, herbs, spices, or simple kitchen ingredients (which will be explained in a later paragraph). 

Moreover, it is the cleanest way of celebrating Holi because it decreases water usage and excludes chemical dyes primarily used in most commercial wet colours.

Avoid Using Plastic

The plastic waste generated during Holi can cause severe environmental consequences on land and water bodies. To avoid adding to this issue, please say no to plastic bags, balloons, and other non-biodegradable products. They could be replaced with reusable alternatives like bags filled with coloured powders made from natural ingredients or organic pigments put into recycled paper packets.

Have an Animal-Friendly Holi

Be thoughtful of the animals and stray animals in your neighbourhood by sheltering them during the celebrations of Holi, and try not to throw colours at them. Loud noises from festivities and chemical colours can be hazardous to animals, so watch out for them and provide a comfortable environment.

Many traditional products of Holi are made with toxic chemicals and artificial colours that, once ingested or as they contact animal skin, may lead to animal harm. Use safe and chemical-free options for your fun Holi festival to limit the threat to wildlife and domestic animals. For example, do not use synthetic or metallic glitters, paints, or other hazardous materials that may end up in water sources or landfills.

Use Natural Colours

A safer substitute for artificially made dyes is to use natural colours found in plants, flowers, fruits, vegetables, and minerals. These natural colours will produce vivid results as well as pose minimal risk to human health and the environment. Here are some easy ways to make natural colours at home. 

Make Natural Gulal With Kitchen Ingredients

If you prefer creating your own natural gulal at home, here are some simple recipes using common household items:

Turmeric Powder Gulal: Make an emulsion by mixing turmeric powder with some water until you get a thick paste. That’s only half the job done. Now, allow it to dry under the sun before you separate it into fine particles.

Beetroot Powder Gulal: Boil beets till they become tender, and then blend them with a little water until you have a smooth puree. When it is completely dry by itself, use a grinder to reduce the dried mixture to a fine powder.

Marigold Petal Gulal: Gather fresh marigold petals, dry them on a tray, and crush them into a powdery texture when they are fully dried.

These eco-friendly tactics and notions, when combined with the Holi celebration, will help you not only have a fun and entertaining experience but will also serve as a positive contribution towards our planet.

Eco-Friendly Alternatives For Plastic Holi Decorations

Some eco-friendly alternatives to plastic Holi decorations include:

Recycled or Paper Products: Use recycled paper and products instead of plastic decorations for your house decorations. You can make quite simple decorations at home using coloured paper, newspapers, magazines, old books, and cardboard.

Biodegradable Tableware: Consider the option of using biodegradable tableware made up of natural materials like bamboo or other eco-friendly materials. Use biodegradable disposable plates, bowls, cups, and cutlery to minimise plastic waste during Holi celebrations.

Eco-Friendly Pooja Items: A non-toxic and nature-friendly decoration can be done with wooden thalis, Vedic dhoop battis, incense sticks, and many more items during your Holi celebrations.

Floral Decorations: Use flowers as natural decorative elements in your home, for example, roses, dahlias, zinnias, marigolds, and jasmine. This is a good way to contribute to nature and have a colourful place to live. Use rangoli flowers to beautify the door through the arrangement of their petals. These will enhance the festive mood.

The introduction of these eco-friendly alternatives into your Holi decoration will allow you to celebrate this festival in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner while minimising plastic waste and building a greener ecosystem.

Whether it is Holi or any other festive occasion, organising eco-friendly events is the wise thing to do, as it is beneficial to the environment and our peace of mind. The implementation of ecologically friendly materials, the conservation of resources, the creation of minimum waste, and the consideration of all living creatures will help us enjoy events that are unforgettable and help us meet our sustainability goals.

Implementing green practices in our celebrations enhances enjoyment, lessens waste, and helps build a great and healthy world for our children. Let’s take each celebration as an effort to spread happiness, optimism, and eco-awareness that will lead to a better and more sustainable future.