PRF Calls for Conscious Celebrations This Diwali

As Fiji celebrates Diwali, the Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF) is calling on Fijians to reflect on the choices they make during the festive season, reminding everyone that true prosperity and growth cannot come at the expense of environmental sustainability.

PRF Founder Amitesh Deo said Diwali, a festival symbolising light, hope and prosperity, presents an opportunity for individuals, families and communities to rethink their consumption habits and make more conscious decisions.

“Diwali is a celebration of prosperity and growth, but we must recognise that neither can be sustained without protecting our environment. Whether we are decorating our homes, preparing meals or hosting family and friends, the choices we make should reflect responsibility towards the environment. Celebrating should not mean consuming more, wasting more or placing further pressure on our already struggling waste management systems,” said Deo.

He encouraged Fijians to consider reusing decorations, reducing unnecessary purchases, avoiding excessive packaging and ensuring recyclable materials are properly separated during festivities.

However, Deo stressed that amid the celebrations, the environmental challenges facing Fiji and the wider Pacific must not be forgotten.

He pointed to the recent fire at the Vunato dumpsite as a reminder of the environmental consequences associated with waste disposal, while also highlighting the continued struggles of Collection Pillars of Recycling (CPR), many of whom remain excluded from formal waste management systems and lack access to dumpsites.

“While we light up our homes this Diwali, we must not turn a blind eye to the environmental challenges around us or the people who continue to bear the burden of our waste. The fire at Vunato is a reminder that our environment is already under immense pressure. Across Fiji and the Pacific, many of our Collection Pillars of Recycling continue to struggle for recognition, access and a voice. We cannot speak of prosperity while leaving these communities and our environment behind,” said Deo.

Across Fiji, Collection Pillars of Recycling (CPR) are also joining in the Diwali celebrations, sharing moments of joy and togetherness with their families and communities. PRF extends its warmest Diwali wishes to all CPR communities and acknowledges their continued efforts and contributions throughout the year.

PRF is urging Fijians to extend the spirit of Diwali beyond their homes by making environmentally responsible choices and recognising the people whose livelihoods depend on recovering recyclable materials.

The Foundation maintains that the true meaning of prosperity must include the wellbeing of our environment and the communities who continue to protect it.