My mom spends hours on Pinterest or Design Cafe every October looking for the perfect Dusshera décor. Then she sends those ideas she likes to the local florists and small home décor companies. Her efforts are commendable, but it is difficult to green-ify conventional decor many a time.
So, Mom. This one’s for you.
1. Wall-Hangings
Traditionally, we use flowers and garlands to decorate our homes for Dusshera. Red flowers, I feel, go perfectly with the fiery theme though many prefer traditional options like marigold. Flowers, while natural and even organic, are single-use products. Yes, we can we compost them, make bioenzyme or use the dried petals. But, some of us wish for something reusable. Less disposal is convenient after all.
Along with the natural options, let’s turn to things that stick around for a long time. You can get sustainable wall-hanging lamps from out store, Our Better Planet. Saving money and the planet in one sweep, eh? Plus, you get to support rural and women artisans. This means you are supporting traditional crafts. What’s more festive than tradition?
Another great way to display your passion for art?
Paintings as décor.
Shubhr Aakriti says it supports, “the exquisite culture that breeds across the subcontinent at this time of the year.”
Want to support a local artist? Or are you planning to paint something yourself using upcycled items?
2. Welcome Guests with a Dash of Luck
In my culture, before every Puja, we must pray to Lord Ganesh. This has translated into an epic and sustainable décor idea for our foyer. While reusable rangolis and organic colours are great, we simply place a reusable idol of Lord Ganesh on the table by the door. Everyone who enters get blessing from the problem slayer.
Trust me, it’s the best festive décor you can ask for.
And if you are religious, Shubhr Aakriti says, you can offer fruits to Lord Ganesh with your entry. My mom would find that sacrilegious, to put offering in front of a non-installed or stapit idol, but you do.
3. Matcha? Matka.
Most of us forget our kitchens when decorating our home. After all, we labour there the whole day preparing a feast. But our sustainable and healthy matkas can give our kitchen a whole new look. In our house, we use traditional clay-based colours and white sand to paint designs depicting our hopes for the coming year on the matka when possible. It reuses the same old vessel but gives it a fresh look. What more can you ask for in décor?
4. Plants
Who doesn’t like a dash of green? Now if you are using open candles or diyas, this might be dangerous. But having some flowering or leafy plants at strategic locations in your home can elevate the whole look. To ensure it’s not a fire hazard, just use sustainable candles in boxes.
You can even use the plants as part of your rangoli.
But this was our homes. It is difficult to dress up our offices as much. After all, they are filled with flammable and delicate papers and computers.