PUNE, INDIA, March 15, 2003: The non-governmental organization (NGO), Kalpavriksha, has offered healthy alternatives to chemical colors to ensure safe celebrations of Holi. Kalpavriksha has obtained 100 percent natural and safe colors from Delhi-based NGO Development Alternatives. The have headed a campaign against highly toxic dyes and powders used for Holi colors and are teaching women to make eco-friendly colors. Many of the colors can be prepared at home with ingredients found in the house or garden such as beets, turmeric, marigold flowers and powdered hibiscus. Other NGOs who were successful in their campaign against water and noise pollution during Ganesha Visarjana and Deepavali festivals have appealed to people not to cut and burn trees for Holi and urged everyone to collect the garbage littering the streets following the festivities.
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