As Ganesh Chaturthi is around the corner, Hindus across the world are engaged in preparing eco-friendly Ganesh idols at home. Though the Ganesh idols made of Plaster of Paris are attractive and colorful, the one we make at home with clay or sand is second to none both in terms of your health and environment.

Eco-friendly Ganesh idols are generally made of natural fibers, clay, paper, and other biodegradable materials. The reason behind scores of people preferring eco-friendly Ganesh idols is when immersed in water the idols degrade faster and do not harm the environment much as one made of plastic or Plastic of Paris.

Read: How to Make Eco-Friendly Ganesh Idol from Clay at Home

Despite society putting every effort to save the environment, the Ganesh idols made of plastic are still appearing in the market exceeding eco-friendly idols.  

In case you are not enlightened about the advantages of eco-friendly Ganesh idols, below are 4 reasons why an eco-friendly Ganesha idol is the best way to go.  

1. Does Not Pollute Water

Contrary to Ganesh idols made of Plaster of Paris, eco-friendly idols are easily degraded in the water without further polluting it like in case of plastic idols. Ganesh idols made of plastic do not degrade easily and they float on water for days long leading to a number of consequences like polluted water. We are putting the lives that survive in water in peril by polluting water. The water animals not only keep the water pure and healthy but they also help keep common pests like mosquitoes at bay. Besides, people who use this polluted water go through from a host of medical conditions like infections, lung disease, ailments related to the skin, blood and eyes.

2. POP Ganesh Idols Affect Quality of Seafood

The chemicals like gypsum, magnesium, phosphorus, and sulfur in plastic Ganesh idols lead to heavy metal poisoning following the consumption of contaminated fish. The colors that are usually used to adorn plastic Ganesh idols also contain mercury, cadmium, arsenic, lead, and carbon. When we immerse these idols in common water resources it gets contaminated with a high amount of metal and other chemicals which kill fish and plants that live in water. This lead to a phenomenon called ‘dead water body’, where the water body cannot harbor any life forms. When we ingest these contaminated fishes, heavy metals interfere with several systems of the body like the nervous, circulatory and digestive system.

3. POP Ganesh Idols May Harm You

The colors used to decorate Plastic of Paris Ganesh idols can be harmful to you and your family too apart from damaging environment. The glitter that is often used to add a special sparkle to the idol rub off on your hands and clothes. When inhaled, this glitter can cause damage to your lungs, affect your eyes and even cause allergies in some.

4. Making Ganesh Idols by Yourself Is Fun

                        (Image source from: hindustantimes.com)

Besides all these, the ultimate reason to say eco-friendly Ganesh idols is best is we can prepare it by ourselves. Though it may seem tough initially, a little help can from your family or loved ones makes it a surprisingly easy task. The whole activity can also help you and your family unleash your creativity. You can choose from a variety of materials like paper mache, clay, aata, and even turmeric to make your very own eco-friendly Ganesha idol.

By Sowmya Sangam