Ganesh Chaturthi 2017: Here’s How You Can Have a Green Festival

This year, more and more people are opting for environmentally friendly idols that won’t clog the waterways.

Plastic, plaster and cement Ganeshas are clogging up the waterways. (Photo: iStock)

Hundreds of thousands of Ganeshas are making their way to the rivers and seas, but this year some Mumbaikars have decided they want to celebrate in a different way.

Sales of clay Ganeshas, which dissolve easily in water, are up 100%, according to Brihanmumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samnvay Samiti, which grants permissions for the festival. Meanwhile, sales of Plaster of Paris idols are down 40%.

As Plaster of Paris idols dissolve, they choke fish by reducing oxygen levels in rivers. Plastic and cement idols don’t dissolve in the waters, but they obstruct waterways and damage ecosystems. Clay idols are by far the least destructive.

Celebrate this Ganesha Chaturthi the eco-friendly way.