Breathe easy this festive season — how to combat air pollution together

As the festive season approaches, the anticipation of joy, lights, and celebration fills the air. Yet, there's another aspect of the air that becomes more concerning year after year— its quality.

The combination of fireworks, crop residue burning, and smog often results in a toxic cocktail that can take a toll on our health and the environment. The impact of this polluted air is felt most acutely by our children, who are more vulnerable to its harmful effects.

In many cities, air quality during the festive season can deteriorate to alarming levels. The air becomes laden with fine particulate matter, chemicals, and pollutants, often surpassing safe limits by threefold or more. This cocktail of toxic substances poses serious health risks, particularly to children, whose developing respiratory and immune systems are less equipped to combat the onslaught of pollutants.

It's a problem that demands collective action, and every individual can play a part in averting the annual air quality crisis. Here are some steps that we can all take to make a difference:

Choose Eco-friendly Celebrations —

Opt for eco-friendly firecrackers or better yet, celebrate without them. Green crackers and fireworks generate fewer harmful chemicals, reducing the toxic load in the air. Alternatively, consider laser shows, lighting, and decorations to add to the festive spirit without contributing to pollution.

Support Local Initiatives — Many cities now offer community celebrations, emphasising tradition and culture without fireworks. Join these events, support local artisans, and enjoy environmentally-conscious festivities.

Be Mindful of Waste — Ensure responsible disposal of waste generated during festivities. Segregate and recycle, reducing the burden on landfills and conserving resources.

Encourage Green Diwali — Educate children and neighbours about the importance of a Green Diwali, highlighting the benefits of eco-friendly celebrations and the adverse effects of air pollution. Engaging with your community can create a more significant impact.

Sustainable Decorations — Choose decorations that are reusable, made from sustainable materials, or can be repurposed, reducing waste and contributing to a more eco-conscious environment.

Stubble Burning Solutions — Support and promote alternatives to stubble burning in rural areas. Encouraging sustainable farming practices can significantly reduce the practice's contribution to air pollution. It is a great biofuel alternative and can be recycled into some amazing sustainable products.

Reduce Personal Carbon Footprint — Consider carpooling or using public transportation when attending festive gatherings. Every small action to reduce personal vehicle emissions helps.

Indoor Air Quality — Invest in air purifiers for your home and use them during the festive season when outdoor air quality is at its worst. This step is particularly important for the well-being of children and the elderly.

Spread Awareness — Advocate for clean air, both locally and on social media. The more people are aware of the issue, the more significant the collective effort to tackle it.

While the challenges of air pollution during the festive season are undeniable, there's hope in collective action. Every individual's efforts can add up to create a substantial impact. By making conscious choices, supporting eco-friendly alternatives, and educating ourselves and others, we can breathe easy and ensure a brighter, healthier future for our children and the planet. This year, let's make celebrating the festival of lights truly luminous and pollution-free.

—The author, Nidhi Mehra, is Co-founder at MyPlan. The views expressed are personal.

(Edited by : C H Unnikrishnan)

First Published: Nov 10, 2023 1:54 PM IST

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Zoomed Out | Breathe easy this festive season — how to combat air pollution together

In most Indian cities, air quality during the festive season can deteriorate to alarming levels. The air becomes laden with fine particulate matter, chemicals, and pollutants, often surpassing safe limits by threefold or more, writes MyPlan8 co-founder Nidhi Mehra.

By Nidhi Mehra Nov 10, 2023 2:10:53 PM IST (Updated)

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