Let there be Light ~ Clean, Green Diwali ideas

Its that time of the year when Indian families get together. Diwali, the festival of lights, was and is something I look forward to each year. As a child, the festival meant,  home made sweets, new clothes and fire works - a wholesome deal :).

I outgrew the need for fire crackers when I was 12. Pollution, child labour, exploitation, and wastage being the main reason for this change. I have been making sincere efforts to have a plastic free, sustainable, green diwali each year, This post is all about going green with your choices this diwali. I plan to share a few things I stick to.

I also plan to share very inspiring pictures and awesome ideas from my fellow blogger friend Reshma of : Dreams are made of these ...

Reshma's festive home :)

I love the feel of a beautifully lit up home, filled with joy and laughter of people living in it. I appreciate the oil lamps lit in handmade clay diya, marigolds floating around and strings of fairy lights brightening the otherwise busy lives.

My love for this festival is evident from my header pictures which i never seem to change :).

For a Clean, Green diwali 

1. Avoid gel, petroleum based candles and choose natural oil lit lamps or Soya candles
2. Earthen diyas or lamps and reusing old brass lamps. We can not only bring that earthy look into our home but also provide a means of livelihood for the potters who make them (Our family always buys from roadside potters and vendors)
3. Choosing to buy natural fibers and avoiding synthetics and silks while shopping for clothes
4. Saying yes to homemade delicacies and avoiding plastic wrapped store bought sweets
5. Exchanging lot of love instead of gifts, And if we had to give gifts, choosing something with minimal packaging and something sustainable.
6. Using locally available flowers to decorate the house to manage our carbon footprint
7. Choose LED string lamps to save energy
8. Most importantly, avoid fire crackers. We make breathing easier for many asthmatic people around us. 

Decor and design ideas for the season :)...
How about some awesome ideas from my fellow blogger friend Reshma who blogs at : Dreams are made of these ...

Reshma says "I don't think any festival is complete without flowers and marigold is synonymous with festivities. Just a basket full of them adds the much needed charm during Diwali."

Lovely flowers brighten up any space

She adds "Rangolis form a beautiful part of Diwali rituals. Floral patterns blooming from every flat stone in the courtyard or the entrance welcoming the guests and family members . Our Diwali is never complete without one."

Her love for terracotta or earthenware and anything made from the basic form of clay is evident from her lovely collection. Each piece finds a special place in her home during Diwali.

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 Nothing beats beautiful rangoli and earthen diyas

"Tablescapes are my favourite Diwali settings. The festive season calls for a lot of entertaining and hosting meals. A good table setting is a great way to bring the festivities indoors and bring about a festive glow in your surroundings."

Pretty arrangement - grass mat coasters and marigolds for enhancing the look 

I am in love with these terracota lamp varieties from Kolkatta, She found a street vendor selling these beauties. 

So do buy a pair or two of these awesome diyas....Happy shopping and wishing everyone a great time this season :)

Thanks to reshma for sharing such inspiring pictures and making this post possible. :)

PS: pictures are mine and reshmas (pl do not use without permission)

Come join a set of fabulous bloggers sharing their Diwali moments , easy Crafts, DIY ideas, Recipes and book recommendations with you .

Starting from today till Diwali and beyond, each one of us will be writing a post related to Diwali.

Participating blogs

Artsy Craftsy mom . Reading Rabbits Library . Food and fads . Cherish Dream Live . My little Moppet . On-board the Mommyship . Roohi's Collection . Colours Dekor . Bumps n Baby  . Hello Mommyhood . A spoonfull of ideas . CraftIsland .  The Keybunch . ParentingMantras . Whats Cooking Mom . Orange kitchens . Quilts & Quills . Fun Activities for Children . Something’s cooking . Obsessivemom . The Design Enthusiast . Fantastic Feathers . Little aadi ali

So sit back, relax and check out all the fabulous Diwali Dhamaka posts from the participating blogs in the linky.

An InLinkz Link-up

Link in your Diwali posts here

An InLinkz Link-up