With Deepavali around the corner, a growing community of ecologically conscious people, mindful of the brands they endorse, are celebrating the spirit of sustainability. There is an increasing preference for eco-friendly festive gifting choices and a shift from fast fashion. Hence, with growing awareness of environmental issues and the need to promote eco-friendly gifting practices, what could be a better festival than Diwali to start this mindful practice?
This Diwali, let's choose to gift with purpose. Instead of splurging on another trinket that will gather dust, we have curated a list of thoughtful gift ideas that will not only express your affection but also have a minimal carbon footprint.
5 Eco-Friendly Gifting Solutions For Diwali
Bamboo Cutlery
To avoid the dreaded loop of “regifting circle,” choose to gift a hamper of bamboo cutlery set. It can include reusable water bottles made from copper or steel, eco-friendly tableware, bamboo fruit baskets, and reusable copper straws. This natural keepsake will make for a lasting piece, sure to spark conversation.
Upcycled jars
Glass bottles are all-weather friends. While recycling can be cost and resource-intensive, entrepreneurs are now looking at upcycling glassware as a viable alternative. Kavi — The Poetry-Art Project, founded in 2012 in Noida, is an independent collective that creates upcycled pop art, with a focus on sustainability. Its range is a mosaic of upcycled tumblers, platters and storage jars. Their Bombay Sapphire Diwali set box is a perfect blend of style, functionality, and environmental consciousness.
Stationary for the scribblers
If your friends like to doodle, scribble and jot, choose stationary with seed paper and plantable pencils pens, cork diaries, and handmade journals ensure that the gift packaging is free from plastic. Rescript, a sustainable stationery company, is made entirely out of 100% recycled paper materials and proudly upholds its philosophy - “Protecting the planet is our duty, not a fee.” Their sustainable stationery products actively contribute to four Sustainable Development Goals laid down by the UN and aim to save 30,000 trees and 6 crore litres of water by 2025.
Grow a forest
The climate clock is ticking as the world approaches the 1.5 °C barrier. In such a scenario, trees can work as our allies. By gifting a tree to a colleague or an employee this Diwali, you can help mitigate pollution as a mature tree can absorb up to 20 Kg of CO2 in a year. Grow-Trees.com helps you choose a specific project to support tribal communities, enhance wildlife habitats, increase green cover across urban heat islands, enrich biodiversity and prevent soil erosion. They not only offer an opportunity to plant trees in various locations across India but also issue a dedicated eTreeCertificate to acknowledge your contribution to reforestation efforts.
"Adopting sustainable choices, such as reduced waste, eco-conscious gifts, and minimal energy consumption, reflects a more balanced way of celebrating, one that respects both our cultural heritage and our shared responsibility to the environment. When sustainability becomes a mainstream aspect of Diwali, it sets a powerful example of mindful living and ensures that our traditions can endure in harmony with nature," says Pradip Shah, founder of Grow-Trees.com
Nature inspired tea-cups
Founded in 2019, Minimal Indian celebrates handmade artisanal products, the art of minimalism and promotes conscious living. Their products are elegant, handcrafted and carry the memory of a simpler time. They are created for those who believe in the idea of 'less is more'.
"I have always valued the beauty of old-world charm and embraced minimal living. Minimal Indian celebrates these two philosophies, blending the concepts of slow living with my passion for art, design, and traditional Indian crafts," says Minimal Indian founder Adrita Sarkar.
So, as you gear up for Diwali, think of sustainable gifting as the perfect way to show you care—about both the recipient and the world around you.
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