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Diwali, the festival of lights, is just around the corner and people are already busy making preparations. This festival celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil.
Apart from decorating homes with lights, wearing new clothes and performing pujas, regaling with fireworks and crackers are one of the essential parts of Diwali celebrations.
In fact bursting firecrackers is what most of the youngsters most associate with Diwali. And no doubt it is fun. We have all grown up firing crackers on this day. However, with the increasing environment concerns and rising pollution, it is important that we become more responsible and walk an extra mile to make sure that we are celebrating an eco-friendly diwali.
Here are a few ways to celebrate eco-friendly diwali:
Green Crackers:
CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR NEERI) – has defined green firecrackers as one with less harmful impact on the environment. This means they have a smaller shell, no ash and/or additives such as dust suppressants to reduce emissions, especially particulate matter.
In most traditional firecrackers, chemicals such as arsenic, lithium, and barium are used. But no such chemicals are used to manufacture green crackers.These firecrackers also are supposed to produce considerably less sound – as much as 30% less compared to conventional firecrackers.
The crackers are also supposed to release water vapor which would not let the dust rise and cause pollution. Green crackers are identified by their QR code and CSIR-NEERI-certified green logo on their packaging.
Timings:
Whereas most of us revel in the celebrations around bursting crackers, there are many who get tormented by the loud noises associated with firecrackers. The elderly often have a hard time coping up with the noises associated with firecrackers. Pets too have a difficult time during this period. Most pets get very scared and uneasy with the loud noises which happen all around during Diwali.
So it would be great if you can limit the firing of crackers for a limited period – 8pm to 10pm. Absolutely avoid bursting firecrackers during late night hours.
Some other Safety Tips to celebrate Eco-Friendly Diwali in Communities:
- Demarcate a common area for bursting crackers. Do not burst crackers at different parts of the Community.
- Do not fire any crackers near parked vehicles. Ensure that no vehicles are parked around the firecracker zone.
- Make sure that Kids are all accompanied by their guardians or any other adults. Kids should not be bursting crackers without supervision.
- Do not burst crackers from the terrace or near any balconies.
- Do not wear clothes which can easily catch fire.
- Do not burst crackers near the building or near trees. Also check that there should not be dried leaves or any other inflammable things around the place which has been demarcated in your community for bursting crackers.
Here are some tips for Fire Safety & Prevention in your Apartment Complex.
Celebrating Deepavali this year? Remember:
Stick to approved green crackers with symbol 🟢
Firecrackers only from 5th-19th Nov, 8-10 pm🕗
Safety first – store safely, be fire-smart, and stay healthy.
ದೀಪಾವಳಿಯ ಶುಭಾಶಯಗಳು
Let’s make it a #SafeDeepavali #Diwali2023 @PACT_BANGALORE pic.twitter.com/4UWyxge5vl— Bangalore Apartments’ Federation (@BAFBLR) November 7, 2023