Global environmental challenges Few events can rival the ancient
rituals and riotous color of India's religious festivals. This
year, the months-long celebration season is also becoming eco-
friendly. Alarmed by the high levels of pollution caused by
firecrackers, toxic paints and idols made of non-recyclable
material, schools, environmentalists and some states are
encouraging "greener" celebrations. In Mumbai, where the 10-day
festival for the elephant-headed Ganesha (the Hindu deity of
prosperity) is underway with giant, colored idols and noisy
street parties, radio and TV stations are airing environmental
messages and school children are learning to make eco-friendly
idols. The statues, made of brightly painted plaster of Paris,
are usually immersed in the sea or a lake after a lively
procession that can sometimes take half a day to navigate the
choked streets, and which ultimately leaves dismembered idols
strewn along the shore. But a growing number of Indians are
opting for smaller clay idols which they i