Buy ‘green’ gifts this Diwali and save the planet

The world is making many conscious choices when it comes to protecting the environment. And now, as the city decks up for the biggest festival of the year, there are many initiatives underway to make this Diwali, a happy one for the environment as well. Right from eco-friendly decorations like earthenware diyas and natural rangoli to saying no to crackers, there is a drive to make the festival as planet-friendly as possible.

But what about the gifts we choose for our friends and family? They need to be chosen with the same kind of care and thoughtfulness. Here are our suggestions on 'green gifting' this Diwali.

Deciding on gifts can be a cumbersome task, especially when you don’t know where to look. To help you out, here’s a list of products we found super-interesting, unique, thoughtful and Planet Positive.

Coasters and trays made of recycled paper-based cartons

Buy a unique coaster set made exclusively from recycled paper-based cartons like Tetra Pak juice packs. Our favourite are the trays, printed with colourful, confetti-like designs because they’re super sturdy. As these products are made from recycled material and are handcrafted, they are more than just gifts; they will make a statement too.

Plantable seed pencils made from recycled paper

Check out the latest pencils out there, that are made using recycled newspaper and contain seeds of vegetables and flowers. After they are used, the seeds can be buried in your garden pot. Making these seed pencils sprout with constant care and by watering them, is a fun activity for kids and adults alike.

These seed pencils will sprout within seven to 10 days and can be used for your home garden or as container garden decor. The pencil shavings can be safely added to compost or as mulch at the base of plants, as graphite is a rich source of carbon for plants.

ALSO READ

20 for 2020: Airbnb Reveals the 20 Destinations to Visit Next Year

Pen-stand made with recycled juice packs

Why not choose a beautiful pen stand made exclusively from recycled Tetra Pak cartons? This is an excellent eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to the regular pen stands in the stores. As it is made from recycled material, it is a thoughtful gift too.

Recycled stationery

You can’t help but fall in love with the new sets of stationery items, made out of Elephant dung and recycled paper. Yes, you heard that right! The notebooks are made from 75 percent elephant dung and 25 percent recycled paper. Made by Sri Lanka based company Ecomaximus, these are very planet-friendly gift options.

Multi-utility boxes made with recycled Tetra Pak packages

Let’s shake it up a little this Diwali. Drop the regular Mithai Ka Dabba, and choose a box made of recycled material to store dry-fruits and trinkets instead.

A little green corner

If you’re looking to gift small furniture and other household items to anyone in your family, check out what Mumbai based RUR Greenlife has for you.

All the above gifts will add more purpose and meaning to the expression of gifting this Diwali and are available on Amazon and RUR.

So, this Diwali, don't settle for anything that is available easily in the stores. Make eco-friendly choices and you will help preserve the environment for generations to come.

ALSO READ

Busting 10 myths about Pilates

ALSO READ

Food is sacred but being able to cook is worship: Chef Niyati Rao