Last week we celebrated Diwali grandiosely with lights, crackers, sweets and so on, but, how much are we 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

2. Excessive Consumerism

3. High Energy Consumption

But little do we realize that 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.

Moreover, 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.

Crackers that make a noise of more than 125 decibels at four metres distance from the point of bursting causes hearing loss, high blood pressure, heart attack and sleeping disturbances. Sudden exposure to loud noise could also cause temporary deafness or permanent relative deafness.

With the growing recognition of the impacts of Diwali on the environment, people have started to reinterpret the rituals and traditions to become more sensitive to nature.