Celebrate a Plastic-Free Deepavali – Consumers Association Penang

CAP President Mohideen Abdul Kader (3rd from right), and CAP education officer Subbarow Narayanan (4th from right) holding a “Deepavali without Plastics” banner at the Plastic-Free Deepavali event held at Market Street in Little India, Penang on 17 October 2025.

The Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) urges Hindus who are celebrating Deepavali to make this year’s Deepavali a plastic-free occasion.

Plastics are a scourge on the world. Plastic pollution is one of the most pervasive and insidious threats to our environment and public health.

Deepavali celebrates the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.

In today’s era, the challenge is to embrace an eco-friendly Deepavali without pollution and without the use of artificial products and plastics.

Modern lifestyles generate a large amount of waste, mostly from the use of single-use products such as water and soft drink plastic bottles, plastic plates, cups, cutlery, and food packaging.

Deepavali should be filled with love and not plastics.

Celebrating Deepavali in a responsible and eco-friendly manner not only protects the environment but honours tradition and also sets an example for future generations.

Some sweet sellers complain that consumers who buy sweets request single-use plastics for every item they buy. This practice must be stopped, as plastics harm the environment, wildlife, and human health in many ways, including contributing to climate change.

CAP advises Hindus to celebrate a plastic-free festival by saying no to plastic utensils, decorations, and gift packaging. Materials such as jute and cloth should be used instead of plastic bags. Bring and use your own stainless-steel containers to buy sweets. Bring your own bags and refill containers when shopping.

Do not decorate your home with plastic decorations or buy plastic mango leaves. Instead, use natural green leaves.

Do not serve food in plastic containers or use plastic cutlery and cups. If available, serve food on banana leaves or switch to reusable utensils and cutlery. Some items may cost more than plastic products or packaging, but are durable and better for our environment and health.

Be innovative, revive plastic-free tradition, adopt sustainable practices and move towards a plastic-free world, this Deepavali.

Celebrate Deepavali sustainably without plastics.

Mohideen Abdul Kader
President
Consumers Association of Penang

Press Statement, 17 October 2025