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Naturally speaking

Go eco-friendly, begin at home

PHOTO: R. RAGU

NATURE FRIENDLY Choose clay or terracotta idols

For the past four years, Satish Kumar has not given a single penny to Ganesh chanda collectors who keep knocking at his door and clanging the coin boxes near his car at traffic signals. "Every penny I don't give these people is my contribution to environment. My faith lies in folding my hands and worshipping at home. It need not involve shelling out large sums of money so that these people can indulge in song, dance and a huge idol that will affect the ecology," he says.

Don't turn up your nose and brush aside this piece. We know you've heard it often over the last few years. Repetitive it may sound, but those of you who are yet to begin celebrating Ganesh Chaturti the eco-friendly way, please do take note. It's never too late to begin and even a little that you do will be a step in the right direction.

Now that you're on the shopping trail, look out for all things natural. Of course, the most important of the purchases is the idol. Step aside from stalls selling idols made of Plaster of Paris and synthetic paints. The high phosphorous, gypsum, magnesium and sulphur content in these idols do no good to the eco system once you immerse the idol following the festival. The organic and inorganic wastes turn out to be toxic to the fishes.

Idols made of terracotta and clay are safer bets. That doesn't necessarily limit your choice. Look out for idols painted using vegetable dyes. If you are not too particular about immersing the idol once the festival comes to a close, go for permanent idols made of brass or stone.

Instead of throwing away the flowers used for the rituals, use them to prepare organic manure in your backyard.

The process doesn't stop at preventing water and environment pollution. Noise pollution too is synonymous with Ganesh Chaturthi. A festive spirit doesn't necessitate unbearably high decibels at pandals. No one wants to end a festival with severe headaches and sleepless nights.

Spend a few minutes to clear the leftovers every night at the pandal. Collect the flowers and leftover food and use appropriate disposal systems. Avoid litter accumulating at street corners.

SANGEETHA DEVI. K

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