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How to make your bathroom sustainable? The best ways to make a bathroom sustainable are to reduce waste in the bathroom, switch to the plastic/disposable items you use with more sustainable alternatives, Opt for energy-efficient products, and rethink the choice of purchases because sometimes we consume pretty mindlessly. To help you make an informed decision when you are planning to make a sustainable bathroom, I’ve taken a closer look at just some of the sustainable options you can choose the most suitable and sustainable option for you according to your need.  Let’s talk about the ideas to make your bathroom sustainable  The sustainable bathroom is often determined by the style of the accessory. It simply indicates that the product will have the least impact – on the planet and living things. The products are renewable, recyclable, and do not harm the environment when we use them.  Whether made from wood, copper, or stainless steel, they come in a range of styles and serve different purposes. To make sure your bathroom accessories match the overall ambiance you’re going for, you’ll have to choose the right style and sustainable materials, If its Classic or zen style then opts for wood or stone; simple, round, or rounded shapes, while Vintage style goes well with glass, iron, enameled steel; structured shapes with details and trims, or a combination of materials and Contemporary generally made of glass, resin or stainless steel; simple and streamlined designs. Here is a list of things that you can switch to and still give an elegant and sustainable feel to your bathroom. You can try taking a small and practical step at a time with simple switches that add up over time.   Sustaina earlier known as Lifestyle Food Magazine debuted in March 2017, We are Asia’s FIRST-ever e-publication dedicated to sustainable living. Copper Bathtubs Most of the time, the bathtubs we use end up in landfills; and there is no system for recycling such fixtures. Copper Bathtubs can be considered as a replacement for fiberglass and acrylic. I came across copper bathtubs that heat up quickly and retain heat much longer than most other materials used in building baths. This saves you money, as you do not have to constantly top up your water, and your heating costs are also cut. Just like with regular bathtubs, copper bathtubs come in different styles. This means that you get to pick the style that resonates with you and fits in with your bathroom décor. These bathtubs are safe, durable, and can be completely recycled as copper is virtually indestructible and can be used again and again. Low-flow showerheads, toilets, and faucets It is no surprise that every time we flush the toilet, a significant amount of water is wasted. But there have been major advancements in recent years with low-flow and dual-flush toilets that have reduced water usage. Previously, toilets used more than three gallons of water with each flush. Now, high-efficiency toilets use less than a gallon. Considering how often your family flushes the toilet each day, this new technology can save thousands of gallons of water every year. Not only this is good for the environment, but it also helps reduce water utility bills. Similar cases for faucets and showerheads seek for  Shower Head, and Touchless Water Tap that minimizes the wastage of water. It is preferable to upgrade, resulting in less water usage, increased energy efficiency, and saving on your utility bills. Also, if you want to reduce your water usage without replacing your showerhead and faucet, you can add an aerator Shower Head Nozzle Adapter that will reduce the water flow rate without affecting water pressure. Energy-efficient water heater Nearly one-fifth of your home energy gets used for heating water. This aspect made me consider installing an energy-efficient Water Heater – 5 Star as a part of the eco-friendly re-modeling of my bathroom. Also, look for the EPA’s Energy Star label on the product which certifies energy efficiency. Another option can be going for a ‘tankless’ water heater. It includes a heat pump water heater, which uses heat from the air that is utilized in heating the refrigerant. The condensing storage water heater also uses less energy to create hot water; or a  Solar Water Heater, which will cut you a good slack on energy costs. Eco Friendly, mold-resistant shower curtain Swapping out the shower curtain is the easiest and cheapest way to refresh and make a sustainable bathroom. Visually, it takes up a surprising amount of space in the room, so changing this one element can dramatically alter the entire look of the room. Choose a shower curtain liner that’s eco-friendly, mold & mildew resistant with No chemical smell. Oiled teak wood shower mat Cloth bath mats can invite mold and mildew, which in a way, is not hygienic. I opted for a mat made from wood that resists harmful bacteria, at the same time giving my bathroom a modern and elegant look Solid Teak Wood Oiled Finish, shower mats are slip-resistant, naturally warm, and easy to clean. It adds up to your eco-model bathroom as well. Bamboo bath towels and washcloths Harmful chemicals are often used in the process of making cotton bathroom linens, which you use on drying your hair and skin. For this, you can switch your towels and washcloths with soft, absorbent, and antimicrobial Bamboo Bath towels that don’t use pesticides. Or opt 100% Organic Cotton  Bath Towel with natural fibers that have not been made with genetically modified seeds or grown with pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, or other toxins, Switching to organic cotton and you can support the health of both the environment and cotton workers, I believe that cotton grown without agrichemicals is the way of the future. Bamboo toothbrushes Plastic products are lightweight and resistant to water and decay. While such qualities are highly valued during usage, it is a different story when it comes to depositing plastic refuse in the environment. Here, the blessing of durability becomes the

Sustainable moving and packing options If you are thinking of options to reduce the packing and moving waste in order to make the entire process sustainable then prefer reusable boxes to minimize packaging waste or biodegradable packaging options that can be composted. Packaging means styrofoam or plastic, which ends up mostly in the landfill after being used and often isn’t recyclable. However, there are plenty of options on the market for eco-friendly moving and packing supplies. Here are the best green options and effective tips to improve the environmental impact of your packaging. Prefer recycled packaging materials identify the recycling best practices Opt for compostable and biodegradable plastic alternatives Avoid over-packaging   Sustaina earlier known as Lifestyle Food Magazine debuted in March 2017, We are Asia’s FIRST-ever e-publication dedicated to sustainable living. Prefer recycled packaging material Choosing recycled packaging materials is the perfect approach to enhance the life of previously used materials. Packaging made of recycled waste material reduces the consumption of resources. When selecting boxes, or containers for moving and packing, consider using packaging that’s made out of recycled materials. Paperboard cardboard is one of the most common examples of recycled packaging. it is versatile and can be reused, re-purposed, and Recycle with a larger percentage of them being made up of recycled materials which can be recycled easily as well and have been labeled as such. Most manufacturers do this as it allows them to minimize the impact of price increases on new or virgin materials. Paperboard is created using used paper pulp; it’s also lightweight and can easily be cut and formed, making it ideal for shipping boxes. You can also opt for containers and mailers that are made from previously used plastic materials such as single-use bags and bottles. These plastics are processed at a recycling facility and put back into circulation in the form of packaging supplies. HELPFUL TIPS: When selecting boxes, or containers, consider using packaging that’s made out of recycled materials. Recycled cardboard and wrapping sheets Biodegradable packing peanuts Cornstarch packaging Mycelium and hemp packaging Molded Pulp Geami Paper Tape Green Cell Foam Identify the best way to recycle Explore the best possible way to dispose of your packaging material once you moved to a new place, this procedure can be difficult as recycling may vary from city to city and state to state. you can categorize mainly by reusable, recyclable packaging. helpful tip: Focus primarily on the reduction of waste. Check out recycling and composting options to manage waste that cannot be prevented. Execute waste reduction activities best suited for you.    Green packaging not only reduces your carbon footprint and environmental impact but is also beneficial after it has served its purpose as the packaging materials are biodegradable. Opt for compostable and biodegradable plastic alternatives Green packaging not only reduces your carbon footprint and environmental impact but is also beneficial after it has served its purpose as the packaging materials are biodegradable.    Avoid over packaging Choosing biodegradable and recyclable materials is an excellent to make your packaging environmentally friendly. It would help if you also cared about reducing the amount of packaging you’ll use. GOING GREEN AND ELIMINATING EXCESS PACKAGING CAN ALSO HELP TO AID SUSTAINABILITY IN YOUR PACKAGING. CUTTING DOWN THE OVERPACKING DEPENDS ON THE PRODUCT TYPE. ONE WAY TO AVOID OVER-PACKAGING IS USING THE CORRECT VOID-FILL MATERIAL. The void-filling material used for protective packaging is one of the biggest contributors to over-packaging — when done incorrectly. Understanding your product and the type of void-fill packaging it needs can dramatically cut down on waste. For example, if you need to wrap an extremely delicate item, then bubble wrap or air pillows are prime options. However, if your object is larger and not as breakable, then paper could provide enough buffer, without the overkill.     May 10, 2023 Opting to live greener and more sustainable lifestyles can lead to more thoughtful practices with your pet, and it just… May 10, 2023 We're thrilled to announce the rebranding of our website! #newpost #awareness #sustainableliving #livelohas #vegan How to pack sustainable for moving house? When you move or relocate, to ensure your household goods arrive at your new place without a scratch, start with a good packing list so you purchase the right packing and moving material. The upside of moving is that it forces you to make a clean sweep of the house, getting rid of items that you no longer use or need. If you looking for one packing guide, this is the one to read as it provides tips that you may not have thought of before. So use it to make your packing quick, easy, and sustainable packing. 2022   Sustaina earlier known as Lifestyle Food Magazine debuted in March 2017, We are Asia’s FIRST-ever e-publication dedicated to sustainable living. Packing of books For the packing of books, It is essential that books are clean and moisture free before they are packed. If any, remove dirt and dust with a soft brush or dry cotton cloth. Packing books Boxes for book storage should be strong, clean, and dry.  Medium-size cardboard cartons are suitable. Do not use boxes previously used to hold food, as food residue and odors will attract pests. Avoid large boxes as they are difficult to move during transit.  Avoid packing books rest on the spine or the fore edge, as this can tear the bindings. while reclining at an angle should not be loaded together as it creates excessive pressure and makes it difficult to remove Packing of crockery The first step to follow while packing the crockeries is to clean them up as dust particles settle on them while packing might leave visible scratches. After you clean them up you can begin packing. While crockeries are delicate items should be first wrapped with bubble wrap and then placed in a packing box filled with crumpled paper and/or Styrofoam for extra care. You can also apply things like old bedsheets, blankets, and towels for extra padding. Lastly, Label

How to plan a sustainable eco-friendly Indian wedding? February 23, 2023 Plan an eco-friendly wedding with just as much elegance and style, while keeping the wasteful ways at a bare minimum! So, soon-to-get married couples, go plan your ‘not-so-big-fat Indian wedding’ by replacing some common elements with sustainability and dedicating token gratitude towards nature. Scroll down for our step-by-step guide. Indian weddings are special occasions, and you as a couple put everything into it to make it pitch-perfect but it can also be one of the most wasteful—chunked paper or plastic goods are dumped in the garbage, leftover food is thrown away, and the carbon footprint of guests traveling there. it’s no secret that weddings generate a huge amount of waste. The compulsion to have an absolutely picturesque day brings the impulsive buying to make your wedding more magnificent. How to plan an eco-friendly wedding with just as much elegance and style, while keeping the wasteful ways at a bare minimum! So, soon-to-get married couples, go plan your ‘not-so-big-fat Indian wedding’ by replacing some common elements with sustainability and dedicating token gratitude towards nature. Scroll down for our step-by-step guide.   Sustaina earlier known as Lifestyle Food Magazine debuted in March 2017, We are Asia’s FIRST-ever e-publication dedicated to sustainable living.  Prefer Eco-Friendly Invitations The whole idea of getting decorative paper invites printed is futile. We cut all those trees and make paper to send the invites which are later thrown away with carelessness; the problem is that we fancy this wastage with pride. But we definitely can replace it with online wedding invites, where you will still be able to invite your family and friends! Also, you can ask your other guests to attend your wedding digitally by going live” When tradition calls for it and you still wish to stick to a physical invite this is how you can make it eco-friendly! Opt for  Plantables Marigold Seed Paper invites or invites printed on recycled paper. Ask whether you can avail of the option of vegetable dye inks to minimize the environmental impact of printing a vast bulk of non-biodegradable invites Get the guest list right We know that big fat Indian and eco-friendly weddings don’t go hand in hand at all. As traditional Indian weddings are generally large events, you may find yourself inviting people that you don’t even know particularly well, which might be quite taxing. So, the first move is to create a guest list. If you have spoken to them in three years and they’re not related to you, make sure they don’t make it onto the guest list. That’ll really be helpful in having an intimate wedding and will also let you have a ceremony with people who mean something to you. Tips  Different events = different guests. I’ve been to a few weddings where the guest list has been divided and it works a treat. So invite a selective list to the wedding and then another selection of guests to the evening reception. You can also utilize the text on the cards to implore your guests into the following suit with your vision. After sharing the requisite details, add in a line encouraging the guests to carpool when traveling to the venue. You can also choose to ask for eco-friendly gifts or forgo them completely to minimize the usage of paper and plastic. Prefer an Eco-Friendly Venue An outdoor wedding space will be a fantastic idea, like on a farm, beach, woodland, garden, or backyard, where the sun can provide all of your lighting and trees making it up for the ambiance it needs. This way, you can cut down on the consumption of manmade energy, like lesser usage of electricity. While destination weddings can be a major dig, you can leverage it with the available amenities of the location; for example, sourcing flowers, food, and other arrangements with minimal decorations from the local market. Avoid multiple locations to dial back the fuel emissions of transportation from one place to the next. When finalizing the venue, look for options with solar panels, energy-efficient layouts, and a robust recycling system if possible. Tip: Look for Built-In Decor  While booking your ceremony and reception sites, look for spaces that offer details that fit your wedding style. This will save you cash and the earth’s resources too.  gardens give you instant floral decor, and greenhouses feel lush and green without adding cut flowers. Opt Sustainable wedding decor We all talk about eco-friendliness for the sake of fads. It’s hard to implement unpopular opinions unless they turn into trends, isn’t it? We are taught and told about the 4 R’s -Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Refuse. Firstly, we better refuse to use ornate drapes, excessive lights, and furniture. Then, we can also look for reusable decors such as papercraft, Wooden Signboards, and Rustic Chalk Board, instead of printed signboards. One enthusiastic about art can also go for old and used car parts, scrap metal, and wood from the junkyard and get local artists to create innovative installations for a creative setup. Also, several five-star properties now offer sustainable wedding packages too. Some Hotels chain, for instance, uses reusable decor. you can display vintage license plates from cities or states with special meaning to them in slices of fallen wood for table markers. Or place a horseshoe or something that represents good luck at each setting. Tips: Use Potted Plants with flowers to magnify the floral décor. Or rather choose a location with fields or trees of flowers or a line of flowers grown on the borders of the ground. Green Buffet Food and beverages contribute to the majority of the waste generated during weddings; such behavior has been normalized. How about we stay ahead of the curve by hiring a waste-conscious caterer? Other options can be contacting certain organizations such as Feeding India, and Adgreen, who collect the leftovers from weddings and redirect them to the needy. Opt for reusable (also, recyclable) cutlery and crockeries, like steel,

How to be eco-friendly in your period? February 23, 2023 If you’d like to be more eco-friendly during your period but don’t know where to begin, start with a sustainably sourced, ethically produced, environmentally friendly,chemical-free hygienic product like a menstrual cup, reusable pads, or tampons that are certified organic, free of bleaches, dyes, synthetic ingredients, petroleum derivatives, perfumes, and plastics.  Cut back on the amount of waste you produce during your period by limiting plastic in your Satatary pads, tampons, and period liner as plastic is non-biodegradable and takes at least 500 to 800 years for each pad or tampon to decompose.  Choose sustainable options when you purchase period products that are normally biodegradable and compostable. You can easily reduce your carbon footprint by opting for sustainable products over traditional disposable pads, they are also better for your skin as there is no bleach. Why go for green periods? We are concerned about single-use plastic and plastic straw but no one is talking about the plastic of Sanitary products. The Plastic in the sanitary pad takes a larger toll on the environment, the design of the pad has polyethylene plastic in it along with the adhesive, the tampons contain dioxin, chlorine, and rayon, and come with plastic applicators, and these items come packed in plastic as well, summing up the amount of plastic used and that of getting heaped in the landfills would take more than 800 years to degrade. Most of the time, they are not properly disposed of, and are flushed down the toilets causing sewage problems; later on, the sewage water released into the ocean harms aquatic life. At the same time, it would cause soil pollution and water contamination, further harming the environment. Apart from that Plastic cannot be recycled due to sanitary concerns. Many sanitary products also contain fragrances, gels, and chlorine bleach, not to mention carcinogens, chemical by-products, and pesticides. these products are used in the intimate and sensitive parts of our bodies, these harmful substances often get absorbed by our genitals., especially if you’re concerned about the chemicals used in the products and their impact on your body and the environment. It’s time to think about period products that are more eco-friendly and less toxic for our bodies. What are the green options? Buying Greener period options is becoming more accessible with more sustainable options you can buy options based on your comfort, day of flow, budget, etc. Thanks to online shopping, you can buy period pads at the click of a button. it will be delivered to your doorstep in no time. we rounded up feminine hygiene products still available to shop online with more sustainable options like period panties and menstrual cups including the pros and cons of each product —because there’s no time like the present to lean into alternative solutions. You finally have that push you needed to try greener options that you’ve been reading about or Maybe you’ll wind up liking these products better than your previous drugstore go-to’s. we  would recommend period products that are safe for you and the planet: disposable pads, tampons, and panty liners made from 100% organic cotton; menstrual cups made from 100% silicone; and reusable pads that are made primarily with 100% organic cotton. Which of those works best for you according to  for your body and lifestyle like; Physical activity level Cost Sustainability – Reusable or disposable Time efficiency – How long can you wear the product? Sustaina earlier known as Lifestyle Food Magazine debuted in March 2017, We are Asia’s FIRST-ever e-publication dedicated to sustainable living. Reusable Pads There is no doubt that disposable pads are always better than the reusable pads in terms of leak protection, but the Single-use disposable pads contain bleached wood pulp, adhesive, and petrochemical liner and 90% plastic which often lock up airflow, trapping heat and dampness, leading to rashes and other infections in our vaginal area.   Disposable pads contribute to plastic pollution and their disposable is a concern as single-use disposable pads contain plastic everywhere, from the plastic wrapper, the pad itself to the plastic backing over adhesive parts. think twice when disposing of pads as they are contributing to tonnes of menstrual waste ending in landfills. If the reasons above aren’t convincing enough, consider the cost of those chemicals leaching into your skin and the amount of waste pollution they create are a big price to pay for the convenience of disposal and a few extra hours of leak protection. Reusable pads made up of organic cotton that is sustainably grown on organic farms with strict farming practices with no use of herbicides and pesticides. It retains the natural softness and breathable quality of cotton. While reusable pads bring instant relief to your skin and feel like you’re wearing cotton underwear.  They’re cute and colorful and made up of organic cotton consider a sanitary pad that contains banana fiber for high absorbency and easy dryness layer the inserts if necessary. There is a wide range of options available online, you can try any from Reusable Cloth Menstrual Pads Pros Switching to cloth pads means no plastic waste. No chemicals leach into your skin. Convenience disposal. Con Changing in public can be awkward.  Daily laundry and cleaning  on your cycle;  A limit to water sports. Menstrual cups Menstrual cups are inserted, like a tampon, and collect blood into the cup, which can then be removed, cleaned, and re-used. A menstrual cup is made out of silicone or rubber, meaning no chemicals potentially being leached. Unlike traditional sanitary, the Menstrual cup is reusable for years and it has a minimal impact on the environment. My suggestion would be to opt for Menstrual Cup Leak-Proof Protection. Have a period with no smell, no discomfort. once you are comfortable using it you can try other options. Pros  Environmentally-friendly, save the environment for packaging and material waste.  They can hold equivalent of three to six disposable pads.  One-time investment. Can be left about 12 hours longer than a conventional product.  Easy

How to keep your refrigerator plastic-free? February 22, 2023 Like any modern refrigerator, if your fridge is full of plastic resealable storage bags for packed lunches, disposable containers for storage, plastic wrap for covering leftovers in glassware, and plastic trays for ice. Here are alternatives to help you to achieve a plastic-free fridge and upgrade to healthier options. Sustaina earlier known as Lifestyle Food Magazine debuted in March 2017, We are Asia’s FIRST-ever e-publication dedicated to sustainable living. Ditch plastic and polythene Plastic and polythenes can impact adversely the freshness of the produce and wrapping certain produce in plastic encourage the production of ethylene gas that will cause food to spoil more quickly. There is a large amount of plastic that can be found stacked in our refrigerators unnecessarily. Save yourself from unwanted harmful substances of plastics from seeping into your produce during refrigeration. Refrigerators nowadays are already built energy efficient and include temperature-controlled doors and airtight compartments and drawers with humidity regulators. Hence, you can do away with the plastics and packaging of the product you store. Consider opting for Reusable Fridge Storage Bags for Vegetables and Fruits with you to put your product in the refrigerator. Cut on plastic-wrap Eliminate the plastic wrap! If you feel the need to wrap your produce or food items, go for muslin wraps or beeswax wraps for butter, cake, and other already cooked, dry items that can be best wrapped in beeswax paper.   Beeswax wrap is reusable and biodegradable, Hot and warm foods should be brought to room temperature before being wrapped in Wrap. Know what needs to refrigerate? Many times, we just stack any and everything in the fridge. We often forget that some things don’t need refrigeration at all; they can do without it. Like, bread can be kept in cool, dark cabinets in the kitchen. Many of the vegetables and fruits don’t need refrigeration either like tomatoes and apples. Green leafy vegetables like coriander can be put in a water glass jar in open, this will keep them fresh enough. Use metal ice trays and glass bottle Make ice in metal trays, which are mostly made of stainless steel or aluminum. Return those plastic trays to the company or replace them with metal ones when you are buying them. Keep yourself away from stocking those disposable plastic bottles. Go zero-waste! Use a Stainless Steel Fridge bottle. You can find silicone lids for these as well. Consider Copper bottles as copper is an essential micronutrient that has various health, beauty, and wellness benefits. Opt for glass Jump onto glass and steel containers to store leftovers or chopped food. They are safe for all kinds of food items, including pickles and sauces. Glass can help you not overlook the food. Also, you can use them to directly heat them in the oven later on. Keep yourself away from stocking those disposable plastic bottles. Making the swap from plastic isn’t as difficult as you may imagine. Here’s a simple 4-step process for you: Make a mindset to stop using plastic in your refrigerator. Arrange, Stock up on glass storage containers. Reuse glass jars. Make the switch to stainless steel, reusable bag, and beeswax wrap. Fling your plastic. Move ahead and get rid of your plastic containers and boxes. Finally, reap the health benefits!  and say goodbye to the chemicals leached from plastic! Please click on the Authorize Instagram button to get instagram access token and expiry date! 2

How to celebrate an eco-friendly Diwali? February 21, 2023 Diwali symbolizes the victory of knowledge over ignorance and the festival of light doesn’t have to be a burden on the planet. With a little effort and consciousness, you can minimize your energy consumption, and waste this Diwali. Here are some ideas to help celebrate the festival of light while caring for Mother Earth. Sustaina earlier known as Lifestyle Food Magazine debuted in March 2017, We are Asia’s FIRST-ever e-publication dedicated to sustainable living. Reuse and recycle old stuff The important ritual of the Diwali celebration is cleaning and adorning your home to entice the Goddess Lakshmi – who brings prosperity into your home. Diwali cleaning is about throwing away anything you haven’t used in over a year or you probably won’t need those items again, or won’t need them again at all which results in tons of waste that goes to the landfill. The environmental costs associated with Diwali cleaning can be reduced by simple awareness and some pre-planning. You need THREE baskets defined for these three purposes: Recycle- This bin is for items that need to be recycled, such as paper, plastic or glass, electronics. Mend-  Wait! Before you discard something into the trash, consider extending its use.  Fix up any cracks, tears, and stains from accidental spills and reuse it. Stains on your leather handbag can be treated with white vinegar. Donate- Assign one bin for items that you can donate to a charitable organization or another person. These should be items you can imagine another person wanting or needing. Like books, toys, stationery, jackets, or accessories. Conscious Shopping Buying new clothes is like an age-old tradition and is an integral part of Diwali shopping. Hindus believed that buying gold or a household appliance symbolizes the blessing that Goddess Lakshmi shower on you. Diwali shopping is incomplete without buying new clothes. Prefer clothing brands that focus on craftsmanship, natural design, and materials that are designed to last, and are not trend-driven. Opt for fabrics such as pure handloom cotton, handspun khadi, and even machine-made cotton. Thoughtful Diwali Gifts Exchanging gifts on Diwali is an excellent way to strengthen relationships, it also reflects the warm feelings and the spirit of the festivity. Diwali gifts should be packed with practical needs and need to be bought new. You must think of gifts with gestures of thoughtfulness.  The following are important things that you need to consider before buying your Diwali gifts. Seek For Locally Made Gifts Buying gifts from local craft or artisan shops they are a good source for gifts that come without the added costs of transportation and support the local community. While gifts made locally often have a story that goes with the gift, since the artisan and the origin of the gift are known.  Re-gifting Is Perfectly Acceptable If you receive something you really don’t need, it’s perfectly fine if you can pass it to someone who would appreciate or could use it. Re-gifting needs to be done with care and don’t do anything that embarrasses you or the person who gave it to you. Consider the re-gifting of unopened perfume, candles. bath products, gourmet foods (remember to check the expiration date), or books in excellent condition. Traditional Lighting Diyas are an integral part of Diwali and the festival of lights means a row of lamps. Today Diwali diyas are available in different forms of electric lamps. Prefer the Traditional Handmade Earthen Clay Diya that is dipped in vegetable oil and emits the least harmful fumes. You can opt for diyas with dough, orange peel coconut shells, conch shells. Next, just add some oil and a wick. ECO-FRIENDLY Decoration and Rangoli The diwali decoration is the main part of the festival & starts with cleaning and decorating houses weeks before. Diwali Home decoration includes Rangoli making which are considered auspicious and a sign of welcoming Goddess Lakshmi to your home. Most of the time Diwali decoration includes plastic leaf torans or artificial flowers and rangoli with harmful chemicals. To make Diwali eco-friendly consider using Natural/Organic Wood Dust Rangoli Colour for Rangoli and fresh flowers and leaves for Rangoli over plastic flowers. Decorate home with fresh bright and colorful flowers instead of a plastic ribbon. Use organic incense sticks instead of synthetic room fresheners. or you can fill water in the bowl and put some flowers with floating candles. Alternatives to firecrackers Although burning firecrackers has been a Diwali trend, Most of us grew up celebrating Diwali bursting firecrackers However, the pollution caused by firecrackers is not good for the environment and it bothers your furry friends too. If you cannot skip this part, buy varieties that release as little fumes as possible and make very little noise. Prefer Eco-friendly crackers claim to reduce particulate matter by 30%.  Heathy Eating Traditional Indian food is the first thing that comes to anyone’s mind when talking about Diwali, and it is one of the best ways to connect with a person of a different culture or background. For most of us, Diwali can disturb your diet but it all depends on how much you engage in feasting, whether you buy highly processed food that’s ready-made from a shop or you make it at home yourself and always prefer healthy and organic foods, you not only make yourself fit and fine during the festival but also contribute to reducing food wastage. Watch your waste Once the festival is over, begin the cleanup with the removal of decorations like Dried flowers hanging from doors and windows, as well as ribbons and decorative materials made out of paper that can be easily removed from the house. Diyas and rangoli are also on the list of items to be removed once the festival has ended. Collect all the firecracker remnants and segregate them as biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste and dispose of them responsibly. Wash the place thoroughly with water and use a liquid cleaner to ensure that no hazardous remnants remain. These