Festivals bring people together. In schools, there is an excitement in classrooms. In many celebrations, because of ease and little to no budget, schools often end up buying idols or decorations made of Plaster of Paris (POP). These POP idols and decorations leave a negative impact on the environment which is also long lasting. Eco Clubs working under Mission LiFE can change this pattern by helping students understand why sustainable celebrations matter and how simple steps can protect local ecosystems.
Why POP Idols Harm Water Bodies
POP idols may look beautiful but are a source of water contamination as they do not dissolve in water. When these idols are immersed, they release gypsum and traces of heavy metals such as lead and mercury from the paints used on them. These substances can lower the oxygen levels in water and make it harder for fish and other aquatic life to survive. With time, they settle in the waterbed and spoil water sources that are often used by humans and animals. This, in turn, has serious consequences on human health. People living close to these water bodies or who get water from these may develop skin or respiratory issues.
Idols and decorations made of clay dissolve easily in the water without polluting. Natural colours also do not cause any harm for humans or animals. In the last few years, state and local governing bodies have been encouraging the use of clay, especially during festival season.
Mission LiFE and the Role of School Eco Clubs
Mission LiFE focuses on small changes that reduce waste and save resources. Schools already teach these values, but Eco Clubs give students a chance to use them in real life. When students plan a festival activity through the Eco Club, they learn how their choices affect the community. A few simple activities that schools can easily organise:
- Poster-making competitions on the harm caused by POP
- Discussions and debates on sustainable celebrations
- Workshops where students learn to make clay idols
- Community outreach to spread awareness
- Making decorations using paper, leaves or natural fabric, items which are biodegradable.
These activities encourage creativity and help students see the practical side of environmental care. Schools can also guide families to choose eco-friendly idols and decoration materials during festivals.
How Do Mission LiFE Activities Align with NCF 2023?
The National Curriculum Framework 2023 encourages schools to create environmental awareness across all educational stages. When Eco Clubs plan activities around Mission LiFE, they support these goals in simple, age-appropriate ways.
Foundational Stage
Children in the foundational stage are curious and enjoy playing with materials such as clay, leaves or flowers. Making simple models helps them connect with nature and understand basic ideas about caring for the environment.
Preparatory Stage
Students begin to compare natural and human-made materials. Awareness activities help them think about how their choices affect the world around them.
Middle Stage
Students in this stage are connected with the environment and understand the harmful effects of using materials such as POP. They begin to understand the complete cycle of life cycle of an idol made of POP, from being made to being immersed in water. This matches competencies related to resource use, conservation and understanding human–nature relationships. Students also get hands-on practice through Art and Work Education tasks, which help them develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
These tasks match competencies related to resource use, conservation and human–nature relationships. Art and Work Education activities also strengthen critical and creative thinking.
Connecting Local Actions to Global Goals
Celebrations using eco friendly materials are not just about one festival or one city. They are connected to larger, sustainable global goals that many countries, including India, are working towards continuously. When students and young generation chooses clay or reuses old materials, they support sustainable development goals (SDG):
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 14: Life Below Water
These actions show how small changes in daily life lead to stronger environmental health at a global level.
A Simple Message for Schools and Families
Despite what many people think, eco-friendly celebrations can be adopted easily. It all begins with a simple action – choosing clay, choosing materials that are biodegradable or can be reused, like paper, leaves,or cloth. These materials are sustainable and do not harm the environment either. Schools should also encourage students to use natural materials. Teachers can include simple awareness activities in Eco Club meetings and help students understand how these choices protect the planet.
Families also play an important role. When students take home what they learn, they influence the decisions their families make during festivals. This helps the idea of sustainable celebrations spread from the classroom to the community.