Diwali is not just a festival; it’s a time for renewal, reflection, and connection with family and community. As much as Diwali is cherished and adopted worldwide, it is equally crucial to celebrate it responsibly and sustainably.

In recent years, there has been growing awareness of the environmental impact of Diwali celebrations, particularly fireworks, single-use plastics, overpackaging of gifts, chemically produced decor items, and excessive energy consumption.

Fortunately, we can address these issues without compromising the festival's spirit. Let’s honor the essence of Diwali while ensuring we protect our planet for future generations. 

This Diwali, let’s make mindful choices, such as choosing eco-friendly decorative items, using energy-efficient lighting, purchasing sustainably and organically produced products, and minimizing waste to celebrate the festival’s spirit of light and joy without compromising the health of our environment. 

We encourage everyone to adopt The SAARI’s Collective's pledge to have a ‘Sustainable Diwali.’

Here’s how you can go about it - SAARI's Sustainable Diwali Gift Guide Australia.

Homeware: Cozy And Elegant Finds

Shopping for homeware is a cherished ritual during Diwali, as we enjoy beautifying every corner of our space. To continue this fun spirit, we can take an environmentally conscious approach, embracing a guilt-free shopping experience that balances celebration and sustainability. 

Opt for cozy and elegant homeware finds that bring warmth and sustainability into your space. From eco-friendly décor to handcrafted items made from natural materials, sustainable products offer the perfect blend of style and mindfulness. 

Whether you want to light up your home with reusable lanterns or adorn your table with ethically sourced linens, these thoughtful additions will help you celebrate Diwali elegantly and kindly to the planet.

Choose to shop from organizations and brands committed to sustainability and ethical consumption. One such initiative is Goods 4 Good, which offers a range of classic sustainable homeware products. Its founder, Nandeeta Maharaj, is passionate about supporting sustainable businesses.

Their homeware, made from natural materials, such as sustainably sourced wood, not only adds a touch of elegance to the home but also minimizes harm to the planet.

Eco-friendly home décor items, such as reusable or classic wooden vases, can enhance your space while protecting the environment.

Candles are an essential part of today's Diwali celebration. Choosing plants or eco-friendly candles can add a personal touch and promote a greener lifestyle.

For bedding, bath, and most of your sustainable basic needs, Bhumi Organic Cotton covers you with pieces that feel good and do good for the planet.

Bhumi offers compelling options if you need a high-quality sheet and linen for this festival. They specialize in ethically sourced, 100% organic cotton products that are not only soft and luxurious but also sustainable and environmentally friendly.

“Our goal with Bhumi is to offer an alternative that supports the planet and its people. We envision a world where sustainability is standard, not exceptional,” South Asian Australian entrepreneur Vinita Baravkar told SAARI earlier.

Another sustainable gem is Eco Green Living, a family-owned and operated business born from a passion for Earth and everything nature offers.

Eco Green Living sets out to make zero-waste living accessible to all who wish to minimize their carbon footprint.

For those looking to limit their negative impact on our planet, there is a range of green products available, including cleaning, home, cosmetic needs, baby, and lifestyle products.

“We strive to make zero-waste products more accessible to Australians looking to minimize their environmental impact throughout everyday life. We wish to be the one-stop shop for Australian families to find everything they need for eco-friendly peace of mind,” reads their website.

When it comes to my home, I shop consciously during Diwali and throughout the year, ensuring that I don’t accumulate excess and contribute as little as possible to environmental challenges. I intentionally choose steel, glass, linen, cotton, bamboo, jute, and everything sustainable. This mindful approach helps me maintain a clutter-free home while supporting a healthier planet.

Eco-friendly Alcohol: Raise a Toast With Desi Spirits

If you plan to party hard this Diwali and celebrate in true Desi style with friends and family, there are options, too. You can enjoy natural, sustainably sourced spirits like feni, arrack, and toddy. These eco-friendly drinks add an authentic touch to your celebrations and offer a great, natural way to elevate your Diwali festivities.

Toddy is from Kerala, India, and Southeast Asia. It is the collected sap of coconut palm trees. When fresh, it is non-alcoholic, and when fermented, it is alcoholic.  The fun part is that you can make your own alcoholic Keralan Toddy with coconut juice, sugar, and yeast. 

Use two tablespoons of sugar with a pinch of yeast per one coconut juice.  Thoroughly mix them in a pot. Seal the pot tightly with a cotton cloth. Wait 24 to 48 hours, and your homemade, most organic Toddy is ready.

It can be kept for two days and is served chilled or at room temperature. Have some fried snacks to accompany it, and you are ready to groove.

If you would rather skip the hassle of preparing it and want to enjoy a ready-to-serve option, consider taking it from THEKA. Whether hosting a Diwali party or relaxing with friends, Theka offers authentic Desi spirits, ensuring you are all set to celebrate without extra effort.

Explore their range of Tiyoi, a one-of-a-kind drink crafted from a unique blend of 30% sap from the female Palmyra tree and 70% from the male Palmyra tree.

With no added sugar or water, this 100 percent natural drink from Sri Lanka is pure and authentic. Free from preservatives, sweeteners, artificial flavors, and colors, Tiyoi offers a truly natural and refreshing taste unlike any other.

“THEKA” is Indian slang for “the bottle shop.” The venture was started by Jasmeet Singh, who loves collecting and finding the best unique boutique drops from around the world to bring to our customers in Australia.

Arrack is another organic Indian and Southeast Asian spirit. It is distilled from the fermented sap of coconut flowers (Ceylon style) or sugarcane (Batavia style) and contains about 33-50% alcohol.

You can get it from My Liquor Online, along with various Indian whiskies.

When celebrating special occasions, I prioritize locally sourced liquor options. I enjoy selecting organic wines and craft beers from local breweries that emphasize environmentally friendly practices in production - especially the delicious wines from Nav Singh in Tasmania, at Domaine Simha. These beverages taste great and support small businesses committed to sustainability. Whether hosting friends or gifting a bottle, I ensure my choices reflect my values, making every toast a conscious celebration.

Gifts That Wow

The custom of exchanging gifts adds a heartfelt dimension to the Diwali festivities. We were raised hearing ‘Khaali Haath Nahin Jaatey Kahin' when visiting friends and family during Diwali. Now, it’s time to make this custom even more meaningful. 

Instead of picking random gifts with extravagant packaging that ultimately adds waste to the planet, how about making your gift exchanges more thoughtful by opting for sustainable options—gifts that celebrate the festival while caring for the environment?

Purpose-driven businesses like Punar offer sustainable gifts while reviving artistry and uplifting women artisans.

Their handloom gifts are made using recycled yarn from landfill textile waste. For Diwali, Punar offers gifts made with upcycled sarees and recycled materials.

“Partnering with makers of sewing the seeds, we have diverted 300 meters of saree fabric from landfills and hand-crafted travel pouches, perfect bags for toiletries and makeup. Punar also offers award-winning sustainable tea towels and throws made with zero-emission handloom fabrics,” says Priya Ravindra, Founder of Punar.

You can also try prepack Diwali gift candles from Light & Glo Fragrances, a Melbourne-based fragrance house founded by Suji and Jeeva Sanjeevan, a South Asian Australian husband-wife duo. 

They offer custom-branded candles and gift hampers that reflect the essence of the Diwali celebration.

“Diwali is about tradition, light, and family, but it’s also a chance to weave culture into more sustainable, everyday choices. At LIGHT + GLO, we have prioritized offering eco-friendly options, from FSC-certified wooden wicks to natural, clean-burning wax and Australian-made fragrances. 

It's not just about candles—it’s about embedding ethics into everything we do. Corporate Social Responsibility isn't a buzzword for us; it’s at the core of our business. It reminds us that social entrepreneurship means being conscious of our impact while celebrating culture and community responsibly," says Suji Sanjeevan, Founder of LIGHT + GLO.

“In a time when inclusivity is crucial, offering Diwali candles and hampers enables us to light up homes while upholding the rich traditions that reflect Australia's vibrant diversity today. It's about celebrating together, no matter where we come from,” Suji posts on LinkedIn.

You can also give plant-based gifts from Eco Green Living, such as potted herbs, succulents, or seeds. Their eco-friendly gifts are great for eco-conscious family and friends.

Eco Green Living offers a curated selection. All products are hand-selected from trusted suppliers to deliver the highest quality and match our zero-waste ethics.

For a genuinely impactful gift, consider donating to a cause or gifting a tree-planting initiative in someone's name, blending tradition with sustainability.
Another organization to support is Welcome Merchant, whose mission is to elevate refugee-powered businesses in Australia. 

As a social enterprise, Welcome Merchant acts as a directory, making it easy for conscious shoppers to find unique gift hampers, products, and cultural events operated by underrepresented entrepreneurs while making a meaningful social impact.

So, if you are gifting this Diwali, consider buying from one of the organizations listed on the Welcome Merchant website. 

When choosing gifts, I look for options that reflect care and mindfulness. Plants are my top pick, bringing life and joy to any space. I also love high-quality biodegradable homeware and décor made from wood, clay, steel, and glass. Books inspire, while sustainable clothing ensures style with responsibility. E-gift cards work well for me, too, because they offer flexibility, letting recipients select what they genuinely want. 

I choose every gift consciously, making each unique and meaningful, and I never forget to add a personal touch with a handwritten note.

Fashion and Clothing: Shop Mindfully for “That Diwali Dress” 

As Diwali approaches, the excitement of new clothes and planning a Diwali look adds to the festive joy. This year, consider embracing sustainable fashion as you shop. 

Opt for clothes made from organic materials, such as cotton, linen, or bamboo. These are not only eco-friendly but also comfortable for celebrations. Support local artisans by choosing handcrafted pieces that reflect your region's rich cultural heritage. 

Thrift stores and online platforms for pre-loved clothing are great choices. Some small businesses offer rental and resale services for pre-loved South Asian clothing. Look at Kifaayat, where you can buy, sell, rent, and lend South Asian fashion and accessories.

Kifaayat believes in sustainability and reducing waste. By shopping pre-loved or reusing outfits, you can find a great bargain and positively impact the environment.

“Kifaayat was born out of a need to give preloved clothes a new home. The overwhelming response we have received in just a few months shows that we were not alone in this belief,” its founder, Megha Tripathi, told SAARI earlier. 

Another sustainable option is pūrthi, a one-stop online space for buying, selling, and renting pre-loved South Asian outfits and accessories.

Thiruna Selvaratnam, a singer and curve model, recently embarked on a new journey as a small business owner with pūrthi, a go-to online marketplace for buying, selling, and renting pre-loved South Asian outfits and accessories.

Pūrthi aims to celebrate unique culture, intricate work, and outfit designs and bring the South Asian community together in one place. 

“We aim to make pre-loved South Asian garments more sustainable and accessible to the Australian community. At pūrthi, we follow the mantra of sustainable fashion: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Buy less and wear more - Choose Preloved! Choose pūrthi!” reads their website.

If you need to purchase brand new, try outlets like The Mahal Fashions, Australia, a destination for South Asian luxury.

Explore their diverse range, encompassing designer sarees, kurtas, lehengas, jackets, sherwanis, bandhgalas, and more. Whether you are seeking ethnic, indo-western, or contemporary styles, The Mahal has you covered for casual, formal, semi-formal, or occasion wear.

From Diwali parties to Eid celebrations, Navratri nights, Ganesh Chaturthi, Gudi Padwa, Onam, Durga Pooja, Parsi New Year, Christmas, and more—The Mahal offers outfits for every festivity.

To complete the festive look, try this South Asian Melbourne-based jewelry boutique, which perfectly balances modern and traditional to enhance your festive style.

If you are still unsure how to style for Diwali or want to try something new this year, consider personal styling from Kaur Kauture - Australian handmade fashion and personal styling services.

Livleen Kaur, designer, and stylist, is passionate about sustainable fashion and strives to encourage people to waste less and live by the motto 'wear once, give back'. 

“As a personal stylist, I help my clients to elevate and reinvent their style and confidence. It’s my job to help them understand that they are important and deserving and define their brand and style. They leave empowered with knowledge to make confident style choices, so they always look and feel like the best version of themselves,” she believes.

Connecting to roots is the best way to welcome Diwali, and it must be done consciously. I prefer reusing old clothing, accessories, and jewelry I possess. I mix and match to create a new look, which is my way of celebrating a sustainable Diwali.

Sweets And Snacks: For a Foodilicious Diwali

No, we are not here to tell you to skip your beloved Diwali laddus—we could never be that harsh! Instead, why not make those tempting treats kinder to your gut? 

The sweet aroma of traditional laddus fills the air, making them a treat during the festivities. Try to embrace healthier and more sustainable options while preparing these delightful snacks at home.

Consider using organic ingredients like whole grains, jaggery, and nuts to create delicious and nutritious laddus. You can also explore plant-based alternatives to classic recipes, such as substituting ghee with coconut oil or using dates for natural sweetness.

For such recipes, check the YouTube channel of Indian Chef Raveena Taurani, a certified plant-based chef and culinary nutritionist with years of expertise in making healthy food taste and look good.

There’s a prominent figure in South Asian Australian cooking -  Charmaine Solomon, a Sri Lankan-born chef and author in Australia. 

Her book The Complete Asian Cookbook is one of the most respected works in the genre, offering over 800 recipes from across Asia, including many South Asian dishes.

She has published over 30 cookbooks and is renowned for making authentic Asian cooking accessible, including Indian, Sri Lankan, and Pakistani cuisines.

But, if you are not ready to get your hands messy during the festivities, eateries and restaurants can also do the work. 

Be sure to check out Flyover Fritterie and Chai Bar, which offers Indian-inspired street food that is mainly plant-based. It combines the authenticity of Indian flavors with a modern, sustainable approach.

Flyover began with its founder, artist Gunjan Aylawadi, who was passionate about art and vegetarian food. In 2019, she opened Flyover Fritterie, an Indian chai bar in Sydney CBD, to honor the hardworking street food heroes she met growing up in India. 

Today, Flyover has become a platform for emerging chefs to experiment and perfect their skills with vegetarian food.

For a more delightful experience in sustainable dining, Nevedya offers an organic, plant-focused restaurant and café in the Dandenong Ranges near Melbourne. 

Specializing in vegetarian and vegan world cuisine, Nevedya blends flavors from India, Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.

Their dishes are crafted using healthy, ethical, and seasonal ingredients, showcasing locally sourced produce from nearby farms and growers.

By making these mindful choices, you can indulge in the rich flavors of Diwali while contributing to a healthier lifestyle and a more sustainable planet. Embracing a sustainable Diwali also helps promote community well-being, cultural heritage, and awareness. With resources and initiatives in place, you can responsibly celebrate this vibrant festival and ensure its beauty is cherished for many generations.

During Diwali, my family prefers traditional home-cooked meals and snacks and cherishes the flavors and memories they bring. Cooking at home allows us to use fresh, locally sourced ingredients, ensuring our meals are delicious and nutritious. Additionally, making snacks at home enables us to experiment with healthier alternatives, creating treats everyone can enjoy.

Cleaning: Celebrate With a Cleansed Home

The tradition of deep cleaning takes center stage, symbolizing a fresh start and the removal of negativity from our lives. This annual ritual goes beyond mere tidying; it’s a holistic approach to rejuvenating our homes and spirits. There are lots of green cleaning options available in the market.

Eco Green Living has a range of sustainable cleaning products for every home.

Home cleansing often begins well before the festival months, as preparations for Diwali encourage a thorough refresh of our living spaces. 

You can also explore a cleaning range from Goods for Good.

By decluttering spaces and giving every corner a thorough clean, we invite positivity and prosperity into our lives. Yesha Patel’s After, which provides textile recycling solutions, can help you declutter your old garments.

After is on a mission to empower Australia's participation in the circular economy by reinventing ethical textile disposal. To date, it claims to have diverted over 11 tonnes of textile waste from global landfills.

Deep cleaning fosters a sense of calm and clarity, allowing us to embrace the joy and abundance that Diwali brings fully. I begin cleaning a month before the festival, focusing on different corners of the home one by one. We use natural resources like lemon and vinegar to help reduce dirt and grime, ensuring a more eco-friendly approach. 

Additionally, we gather all unwanted clothes and contact NGO services well in advance, allowing them to schedule pickups and distribute items to those in need. This declutters our home and supports our community, making our pre-festival preparations meaningful and responsible.

Bring a Touch of Nature to Traditional Décor

A home filled with delightful scents and bright lights truly captures the essence of the festival. However, going overboard with decorations can hurt the environment. But that doesn’t have to be the case if you opt for eco-friendly materials.

I choose natural flowers, clay décor, natural colors, flower rangoli, and biodegradable products to create a beautifully festive atmosphere without harming the planet.

For us, Diwali is a celebration illuminated by clay Diyas—eco-friendly, biodegradable, and infused with natural elements that reflect the spirit of sustainability. 

Each Diya embodies tradition and a commitment to the environment, casting a warm, gentle glow that honors the earth and brightens the festivities.

I choose natural soy wax candles for candles. They emit less soot and nasty chemicals than paraffin wax and are a better choice for your health and the planet.

While these choices might take a bit more effort, the reward is knowing that you are giving back to Mother Nature—the source of everything that allows us to celebrate. Sustainable décor not only honors tradition but also ensures a healthier planet.

The SAARI Team wishes you a happy, prosperous and sustainable Diwali!

Radha Mishra is a seasoned journalist with over a decade of experience in newsrooms. Now practising independently, she is passionate about covering issues that matter. She strives to deliver accurate and impactful stories to audiences globally.