Reasons to celebrate an eco-friendly Ganesha

Ganesh Chathurthi is just around the corner and devotees across the country are excitedly purchasing Ganesh idols. These idols are traditionally made out of Plaster of Paris (PoP), which is not biodegradable. Even the paint use to beautify them is toxic and harmful to marine life. With this in mind, many organizations and individuals try keeping to make the festival more eco-friendly. They have been coming out with innovative ideas to make idols that will not harm the environment. Here are four reasons an eco-friendly Ganesha idol is the best way to go.

Does not pollute natural water Sources
One big drawback of Ganesh idols are made of Plaster of Paris (PoP), the fact is that PoP does not degrade easily, leading to severe consequences like polluted water. The material also increases the acid content of water sources and can kill the natural life in the water. Life that survives in water is an essential part of our ecology. Not only do they keep the water pure and healthy but also help keep common pests like mosquitoes at bay. Apart from all this, studies have found that people who use this polluted water suffer from a host of medical conditions like infections, lung disease, ailments related to the skin, blood and eyes.

Metal content in water affects the quality of foods
PoP contains chemicals like magnesium, gypsum, phosphorus and sulphur. The dyes that are commonly used to decorate the Ganesh idols also contain mercury, cadmium, arsenic, lead and carbon. When these idols are immersed in common water bodies like the sea, ponds, lakes etc., it gets contaminated with high amount of metal and other chemicals, which kill fish and plants that live in water. Not only does this lead to phenomenon called ‘dead water body’, where water body cannot harbor any life forms, but could also lead to heavy metal poisoning caused due to the consumption of fish contaminated with these metals. When ingested these heavy metals are known to interfere with several systems of the body like the nervous, circulatory and digestive system.

Dyes and glitter on PoP idols can harm you as well
Apart from all the above risks, these dyes that are commonly used to colour Ganesha idols made of PoP can be harmful to you and your family. Apart from that the glitter that is often used to add that special sparkle to the idol may also rub off on your hands and clothes. When inhaled this glitter can cause damage to your lungs, affect your eyes with burning sensation and even causes allergies in some cases. In contrast an eco-friendly Ganesh idol poses none of those risks.

Eco-friendly Ganesha idols can be a family-bonding exercise
The best part about owning an eco-friendly Ganesh idol is the fact that you can make yourself. You might need some guidance initially, but later it can be a lot of fun to create your own idol. The whole activity can be a great way of family bonding and allows you and your family members an opportunity to unleash their creativity. You can choose from a variety of materials like paper mache, clay, atta and even turmeric to make your own eco-friendly Ganesh idol

Here are certain unique eco-friendly idols that dissolve in the water without polluting it with toxins.

Fish Friendly Ganesh
After visarjan, the toxic materials used in making Ganesh idols pollute the water and kill the fish. The idols are now made with vegetarian food ingredients that the fish can consume. A noble way to keep the water bodies clean

Ganesha by eCoexist
eCoexist brings the Ganesh idols from natural clay, painted with turmeric, geroo and multani mitti. These can be immersed in a bucket of water in your house and used to water plants. Idols also made of natural materials like shoal pith and cloth. These have been made by challenged adults and help them earn an additional income.

Tree Ganesh
Idols are made with plant seeds. Idols are to be placed in a pot with soil at the end of the festival. Water it and the idol begins to dissolve. Soon the seeds take root in the soil.

Chaocolate Ganesh
Idols are made using chocolates had no added preservatives and was decorated with edible colours. The purpose behind making the idol was to distribute it as food among underprivileged kids. When these idols are immersed in milk, it can be distributed as chocolate milk among the children.

Water purifying Ganesh
Generally alum is being used to clean potable water and remove polluting matter from it. Now the idols are being made with alum to purify the water bodies.

Cow-dung Ganesh
Idols are also being made up of cow-dung and sand to help herdsman earn money by some NGOs in Mumbai. This initiative would help conserve indigenous cows and to sustain non-milking or old cows. The advantage of idols made up of cow dung is that they will purify the environment and also settle down heavy metals like lead and mercury. The size of the idols ranges from 3 inches to 3 feet. However, the idols dissolve in 15 minutes and it scientifically purifies water.