5 Sustainable Diwali Essentials, Sweets, and Accessories You’ll Love
This article was contributed by a member of our beloved Sustainable Baddie community. Sustainable Baddie exists in part to share perspectives outside of our own and to present a rich array of diverse voices. The opinions presented are those of the guest contributor and do not necessarily reflect or represent Sustainable Baddie’s voice, tone, and point of view.
Guest Contribution: Submitted by Geeta Minocha, written by Mary Vogt
Indian American model Geeta Minocha
I sat down for a brief yap sesh with NYC-based Indian American model Geeta Minocha to learn about some of her sustainable favorites for Diwali, and she did not disappoint! Here are her five sustainable must-haves for the holiday.
Artisan-made | Biodegradable | Circular Farming
Diyas are the most essential part of any Diwali celebration. Instead of opting for mass-manufactured clay diyas, which are typically made of inorganic and non-biodegradable polymers (no fun), Geeta loves these zero-waste cow dung diyas from Girveda – handmade by female artisans in Gir Somnath, Gujarat. Girveda partners with pesticide-free farms to encourage circular, natural farming.
2. I Was a Sari Statement Earrings
Empowering Women | Upcycled | Circular Design | Artisan-made
New clothes or jewelry are encouraged on Diwali to start the year on the right foot (say no more!), so try an upcycled piece to minimize your environmental impact. I Was A Sari is an award-winning Indian fashion label that turns old saris into stylish clothes, bags, and jewelry. These gorgeous statement earrings will add a pop to your Diwali fit!
3. Mithai from India Sweet House
Organic Farming | Reusable Packaging Initiative
If there’s one thing about Geeta, it’s that she will never say no to a sweet treat. She highly recommends the rose ladoo or the dark chocolate kaju roll from India Sweet House, which is India's only farm-based mithai company. Ghee and milk are produced on-site, resulting in fresher, tastier products.
Through the end of the year, India Sweet House is also offering a 10% discount to customers who bring their own reusable containers to buy sweets.
4. Biodegradable Confetti from the Confetti Bar
Promoting Reforestation | Compostable
In place of the traditional firecrackers, which pollute, harm wildlife, and exacerbate health risks, this biodegradable confetti from The Confetti Bar can offer some vibrancy and excitement. Confetti styles vary from gorgeous, all-natural, freeze-dried flower petals to paper embedded with noninvasive wildflower seeds that can grow if put in soil.
5. Skincare from Seadrop Skincare
South Asian Woman-owned | Zero-waste
Diwali is also an opportunity to give to those near and dear to you, as a sign of respect and admiration. And what’s better than the gift of glowing skin? Seadrop Skincare— incidentally founded by an old friend and classmate of Geeta’s, Serena Advani—offers waterless products to reduce the user's exposure to bacteria, cut transportation emissions, and protect our oceans.