Think practical this Diwali and adapt to environment friendly celebrations – Deo

A call has been made for Fijians to think practical this Diwali and adapt to environment friendly celebrations.

While making this call Waste Recyclers Fiji Limited CEO and founder of Pacific Recycling Foundation Amitesh Deo says we can consider using recyclables as much as possible for decorations and also ensure they do not end up in rivers, sea or dumpsites after the celebrations.

Deo says Diwali has a great significance regarding cleaning, as one of the objectives of this festival is to welcome peace, prosperity and wealth.

He adds as a lot of clean-ups will take place around the country before and after Diwali, he has urged Fijians to sort waste materials before putting them together for disposal.

Deo further says not all waste materials have to end up at dumpsites, and some like paper, cardboards, PET bottles, tin cans, aluminium cans, and metal can be brought to their yards for recycling.

Deo adds the amount of waste materials after the celebrations will be significant and through everyone’s efforts, we can make a difference.

He further says Diwali symbolises knowledge over ignorance and with this message, he is urging Fijians to start giving importance to the environment by practising proper waste management in our homes, schools, work places and communities.

Deo says let us also celebrate this festival by lending a helping hand to those who are less fortunate, sick, homeless and marginalized adding that they work very closely with grassroots communities, particularly those who are engaged in informal waste picking.

Deo highlighted that they carry out such an important task and they are pleased that this Diwali, they will be referred to as Collection Pillars of Recycling - a fitting recognition to a bunch of hardworking Fijians who have contributed immensely to the recycling sector.