The initiative reaffirms WWF-India’s commitment to promoting conscious and sustainable lifestyles. Through the ‘Green Diwali’ Campaign, the Environmental Information, Awareness, Capacity Building, and Livelihood Programme (EIACP) aims to inspire citizens to adopt environmentally friendly habits during the festival of lights.
This effort builds on the success of WWF’s flagship campaign ‘Breath of Change – Clean Air, Blue Skies’, which reached over 2,00,000 citizens in Delhi through 25 awareness programmes. The campaign helped instil environmental values in communities and encouraged cleaner urban living.
Continuing this legacy, the WWF EIACP Centre inaugurated a striking ‘Breathable Art’ installation in Rohini, Delhi, symbolising collective action for clean air and a pollution-free future. The artwork serves as a public reminder of the urgent need for sustainable celebrations that protect the environment and human health.
Encouraging Eco-Friendly Practices
Aligned with the ethos of Mission LiFE, WWF EIACP has urged citizens across India to make small but impactful lifestyle changes during Diwali. The campaign emphasizes sustainable alternatives such as:
- Replacing plastic decorations with biodegradable or upcycled materials.
- Creating rangoli designs using natural ingredients like rice flour, turmeric, and flower petals.
- Choosing energy-efficient LED lights, solar lanterns, or traditional diyas instead of high-energy decorative lighting.
- Supporting locally crafted gifts and handmade products to reduce the carbon footprint.
- Avoiding single-use plastics and properly managing festive waste.
By promoting these eco-friendly practices, WWF EIACP hopes to create a ripple effect of awareness that leads to greener habits beyond the festival season.
Mission LiFE: A National Movement for Sustainable Living
Mission LiFE, introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, encourages citizens to adopt environmentally responsible behaviors as part of their daily lifestyle. WWF-India’s ‘Green Diwali’ initiative aligns closely with this vision, empowering individuals to contribute to global sustainability goals through simple, actionable choices.
The campaign also supports India’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — particularly SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). These alignments reflect the growing importance of collective citizen participation in addressing environmental challenges.
Fostering Shared Responsibility
Through community outreach and digital campaigns, WWF EIACP has called upon citizens to take a pledge for a “clean, green, and plastic-free Diwali.” The organization emphasizes that responsible celebration does not diminish the festive spirit but enhances it by protecting both nature and people.
The campaign highlights that Diwali, known for its message of light triumphing over darkness, can also symbolize the transition toward a cleaner and more sustainable future. Choosing eco-friendly products and reducing waste can make this festival truly a celebration of life — not just for humans but for the planet as well.
A Call to Action for All
WWF-India encourages individuals, schools, resident welfare associations, and local organizations to participate in awareness drives, clean-up events, and sustainable market initiatives. Citizens are also invited to share their eco-friendly Diwali actions on social media to inspire others to join the green movement.
As the festive season approaches, initiatives like this demonstrate how cultural traditions and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand, lighting up not only homes but also hearts with the glow of sustainability.