Green Diwali - oxymoron or tautology?

Folks who think "Green Diwali" is an oxymoron obviously don't know the spiritual / true meaning of Diwali.

While Diwali is popularly known as the "festival of lights", the most significant spiritual meaning is "the awareness of the inner light".

Diwali is the Indian festival of lights but more importantly (I believe) it is another God-gifted opportunity to go green! Here's how you can make this festival more green and more fun for yourself and others -

1. Promote community building and concept of saving - Spend the hard-earned money you saved all year for this day. Obviously you need to save first - a concept quite lost today. Wear new clothes, share gifts, and use the opportunity to make new friends by sharing and caring for others.

2. Save energy by burning diyas - To celebrate the victory of good over evil and light over darkness, you burn symbolic diyas. In today's modern age, people tend to turn on ALL the lights in the house. Try burning more diyas instead, with friends and neighbors. This is not only economically and environmentally better but diyas generally look more beautiful and create a more soothing atmosphere. If you really can't resist turning on all the lights, use this opportunity to buy energy efficient lighting.

3. Home hygiene and food - Take this opportunity to clean and decorate your home. Cook food at home. Try potluck parties with friends and family.

4. Reduce noise and smoke - Burning firecrackers are popular but I am not very sure if the pollution and noise generated are necessary. This is obviously a tough issue to address. There are some alternatives to fireworks. I would recommend using glow sticks, wands, necklaces etc. Make sure they are recyclable products.

So how are you making yours a greener Diwali? Would love to know your ideas even if you are not implementing them.