We’ve been taking our planet earth for granted since forever and there’s no denying that. We’ve been focussing on short-term pleasures and ignoring the fact that many of those are paving way for a total environmental collapse. A recent UN report said we are on track to reach the global warming levels we should be scared of. Festivals and celebrations, that are essential to cultures across the world, unfortunately also come with their own share of carbon footprint.
However, youngsters are far from impressed by the traditional, not-so-sustainable ways of celebrations. In fact, gen Z and millennials are gravitating towards all things green and care a lot about the environment.
Young sustainability soldiers
A recent study foundthat many youngsters are hesitant to reproduce because they are afraid of the future of humanity, with our planet health deteriorating consistently. More studies reveal that gen Z is willing to spend more on sustainable products and shop consciously.
Research also says that gen Z and millennials are now conscious of the environmental impact of their tourist activities. Say, if a place can be endangered by over-tourism, youngsters will ensure they don’t go to those spots. Also, they would prefer eco-friendly properties over those that aren’t.
Youngsters have grown up having access to content from around the world, on the hazards of us slacking when it comes to saving our planet. With growing awareness, young torchbearers and eye-opening documentaries/docuseries, it’s hard to not feel a sense of responsibility towards the environment.
Celebrations but make them sustainable
They say, our planet is not something we inherited from our parents; it’s something we are borrowing from generations to come. And we understand that, more than ever before.
Pakhi Gadh, a 20-year-old influencer reveals, “I have a pet dog and I love him to death. Every year during Diwali or Ganpati, I would see him scared and it would make me feel so annoyed with the apathy of people towards animals. I wonder what strays go through, what old people and special needs children go through. And then I step out, after all of it is done, and see the remnants of what looks like a war. And it is, isn’t it? A war of our environment!”
Aarohi Kalele, a 29-year-old teacher, based in the cleanest city of India, Indore, says, “I have grown up watching my family burst crackers and how. I have grown up enjoying those very things, without a worry in the world. But each year, those things started to turn me off a little more. Today, my family, my neighbours, my relatives and my friends are all being more conscious about the way we celebrate. We reuse decorations, we don’t burst crackers, and we dispose of waste correctly.”
Sustainable alternatives
Youngsters are problem-solvers and are keen on finding ways to celebrate, without creating environmental hazards. Divyanshu Asopa, Founder and CEO of 21 Fools came up with the idea of providing sustainable ways of celebrating, in his hostel room. This Diwali, 21 Fools came up with a special celebration box consisting of the Beej Patakhas and hand-painted diyas made by women in Jaipur’s Prajapati community. The Beej Patakhas are made using waste cotton paper, seed balls, and live seeds, while the packaging is made of paper and recycled cardboard.
A similar initiative by the Gram Art Project has been garnering a lot of media attention lately. Women from a tiny village of Paradsinga, Madhya Pradesh, had been crafting these seed crackers for more sustainable celebrations. “These are firecracker lookalikes but contain seeds instead of gunpowder. Seed crackers are firecracker alternatives made from recyclable material, in a non-exploitative environment and embedded with living seeds. Instead of affecting birds and animals by causing sound, light and air pollution, these are nature-friendly and habitat-rejuvenating. Just sow, water and see these crackers hatch into beautiful plants, “explains Shweta Bhattad, co-founder of the Gram Art Project.
The way we celebrate has changed. Youngsters are focussing on the company of people, rather than deriving fun from damaging activities. Mansi (name changed) narrates how she likes celebrating festivals, “Be it my birthday, or Christmas or Diwali, I always tell my friends to gift me a plant. This year, for Diwali, I called a few friends over, it was a potluck and everyone had a great time. We didn’t burst crackers but enjoyed each other’s company. What’s more, now I have more plants in my mini garden!”
Also Read: This Diwali, Plant Seed Crackers And Celebrate Sustainability