How To Celebrate An Eco Sensitive Diwali?: 1. Air Pollution Through Firecrackers
How To Celebrate An Eco Sensitive Diwali?: 1. Air Pollution Through Firecrackers
How To Celebrate An Eco Sensitive Diwali?: 1. Air Pollution Through Firecrackers
Now, that you are interested in celebrating an Eco - Sensitive Diwali, the first thing that
you need to do is to make yourself aware about the effects the traditional Diwali
celebrations has on the Mother Nature. Given below are three major environmental
impacts that Diwali Festival have on our environment.
1. Air Pollution through Firecrackers - "Say 'No' to Fire crackers and 'Yes' to
life!"
For most people lighting of firecrackers is the highlight of Diwali. Brighter the sparkles,
louder the noise the greater the thrill!! In fact to many of us, these aesthetic forms of light
seem so appropriate and most essential when celebrating the 'Festival of Lights'.
But little do people realize that in our increasingly populated and polluted cities, the
temporary joy of watching the firecrackers is soon replaced by the intense air pollution
caused by these. The toxic substances used in the firecrackers release toxic gases that are
harmful to the health of all living beings. The high level of noise generated by the
crackers cause immense suffering to birds and animals. Besides, Diwali crackers are
dreaded by the sick and the ailing.
Sadly, few of us realise that the firecrackers used on Diwali are mostly made by very
young children. Since the substances being handled are extremely toxic many of these
child labourers get sick and die in their early teenage years.
Chemical Impact
Copper Irritation of respiratory tract
Cadmium Anemia and damage to kidney
Lead Affects the nervous system
Magnesium Its dust and fumes cause metal fume fever
Sodium Reacts violently with moisture and can attack the skin
Zinc Leads to vomiting
Nitrate Could lead to mental impairment
Nitrite Could lead to coma
.
Noise Pollution caused by Fire Crackers
Crackers that make a noise of more than 125 decibels at four metres distance from the
point of bursting are banned by the law. Given here are the hazards posed by excessive
noise pollution caused by crackers: Hearing loss, high blood pressure, heart attack and
sleeping disturbances.
Sudden exposure to loud noise could cause temporary deafness or permanent relative
deafness.
2. Excessive Consumerism
An indirect but equally significant impact of Diwali on nature is due to the increased
consumption. Since Diwali is also a celebration of abundance and wealth - many people
believe that it is a good time to buy. Often, people go out and buy new items even when
they don't need them. Advertisements and hoardings scream out to people offerings sales
extravaganzas, bargains, discounts encouraging us to buy more and more!
For instance, the gold earrings that you will buy on Diwali is coming from a gold mine
that is not only depleting the gold resources of the earth, but in the process of mining is
probably ruining several ecosystems.
A question to ponder at this stage is, where do all the things we throw away go finally?
Solid waste created by human beings which is non biodegradable (does not easily
decompose) has to be filled into holes dug up in the ground. These 'landfills' as they are
called may exist for centuries without completely getting integrated into the soil. The
plastic toys that you are throwing away today, may exist in a landfill several generations
after yours!
So this Diwali, before you buy something new apply the above five principles and only
then pay at the counter!
3. High Energy Consumption
The festival of lights puts a considerably heavy load on electrical energy sources that are
already overloaded. The use of electric lights to adorn homes, business establishments,
monuments and roads requires a huge amount of electricity. The older tradition of
burning oil lamps is a possible alternative to electric lights - even though it does use oil,
the duration of the lamps is shorter.
They are practical, simple to follow, and once you are through with reading them, you
will realize that following them will go a long way in making sure that you have a real
cool and happy Diwali India the day after tomorrow.
- Read the label on the packet of crackers and follow the instructions carefully.
- While igniting Diwali aerial fireworks like rockets, ensure that they are not facing any
opening like a window, door or an open building gate. If the rockets zoom into them, it
may cause fire accidents.
- Be prepared for all kinds of emergency to be safe for happy Diwali this Indian festival
Diwali India.
- Keep first aid and buckets of water handy. In the event of fire, extinguish the flame by
pouring water. Remember, every major fire is small when it starts.
- Light only one firework at a time, and one person should do it. Others should watch
from a safe distance.
- In-case of burns, pour large quantity of water on the affected areas. This will ensure the
skin does not blister.
- In case of major burns, after extinguishing the fire, remove all shouldering clothes.
Wrap the victim in a clean bed sheet.
- The patient should be taken to a burns specialist or a major hospital trauma center
immediately. But don’t panic.
These are some safety tips for seasons Diwali fireworks so be aware with these dos and
dont's before using Diwali crackers and celebrate happy Diwali in this important Indian
festival celebrated throughout the world. In-case of accident beyond your control then
rush the victim to hospital or consult nearby doctor.
Jaipur, Nov 5 : The demand for pollution free crackers is at rise in Jaipur on the
auspicious occasion of Diwali.