Diwali is a time of reflection just as much as it is about celebration. It’s about getting rid of negativity and looking forward to new beginnings. There can be a lot of pressure to celebrate and show up in a big way. 

Every year, SAARI Collective puts out a piece as part of our long-running sustainable Diwali series. This year, Priya Ravindra, Yesha Patel, and Nandeeta Maharaj have some recommendations on how to be ethical and sustainable this Diwali, and some of the social enterprises and organisations that can help. 

Gifts

How can we make a difference this Diwali? There are many organisations and Social Enterprises in Australia who are raising funds to help those in need. Social Enterprises are businesses that are making the world a better place. Purpose-driven businesses like Punar bring you sustainable gifts while reviving artistry and uplifting women artisans. Punar’s artisans are women seeking new beginnings in life despite their challenging socioeconomic backgrounds, and are paid fair wages for their work. Handloom gifts are created using recycled yarn coming from landfill textile waste. 

Another organisation to support is Welcome Merchant whose mission is to elevate refugee powered businesses in Australia. So if you are gifting this Diwali, consider buying from one of the organisations listed on the Welcome Merchant website. 

Candles

Another consideration this Diwali or any occasion are the candles in our homes. If you burn candles often, then always choose natural soy wax candles. They emit less soot and nasty chemicals compared to paraffin wax. These are a better choice for your health and the planet. 

Goods 4 Good is an online marketplace passionate about all things Social Enterprise. Every product on the platform makes an impact beyond being an ethical product. This Diwali, buy candles that are not only good for people and the planet, but also impacts causes like animal welfare. 

Cleaning

Deep cleaning our homes is all about new beginnings as some Hindus welcome the new year the day after Diwali. There are many amazing Australian products available that provide a powerful clean with minimal harm to you and the environment. With so many choices, you will always find something that works for you and your family. Banish and Biome offer a large variety of locally-sourced products. 

New Clothes

While it's customary to gift your family and friends new clothing for Diwali, why not consider sharing pre-loved garments with one another? There are some fantastic small businesses offering rental and resale services for pre-loved South-Asian clothing. Take a look at Kifaayat, where you can buy, sell, rent, and lend South-Asian fashion and accessories. This approach not only works for gift-giving but also benefits your own Diwali wardrobe. Many of us likely have suitcases brimming with traditional clothing tucked away at home. Do we truly need all of it? Could someone else give it a new lease on life?

In the case that you do need to buy brand new, why not try out sustainable and ethical brands? It is imperative that no one should endure exploitative labour conditions for the sake of your celebration. Instead, we should aim for producers and consumers alike to enjoy the festivities to the fullest. Check out brands like Okhai, Raw Mango and Jaypore. 

As always, the best way to welcome Diwali and do so consciously is by connecting to your roots – wear old clothing, accessories and heirloom jewellery from your mothers and grandmothers, and mix and match with what you already have. Embracing sentiment is a powerful form of celebration. 

Sweets

Deep fried in ghee and soaked in sugar syrup is stuff made out of my dreams and can quickly become a nightmare if not enjoyed in moderation! I have recently discovered the many benefits of using coconut ghee, and coconut sugar. I used these with some coconut flakes to make coconut fudge (or modify it for coconut barfi) and it was amazing. You can read all about these ingredients and buy them here. And of course – here is the recipe! All profits from the sale of these ingredients go back to the makers. 

Happy Diwali to all. May the light of Diwali guide you, bring you prosperity and happiness. 

This piece was put together by Priya Ravindra, founder of Punar, Yesha Patel, founder of After, and Nandeeta Maharaj, Founder of Goods 4 Good.