A plantable cracker or bomb is very different than the conventional harmful firecrackers as they can be sowed into the soil.
Roshan Ray, the owner of a Bengaluru-based-startup, Seed Paper India, that makes such crackers, told Bangalore Mirror that many people, especially youngsters, are choosing these crackers. These firecrackers come with a range of options like plantable rockets that come with marigold seeds, Laxmi bombs that grow into a tomato plant, Chakras with chia seeds, plantable crackers with basil seeds, etc. These crackers are made out of recycled paper and plant seeds.
“I did not expect that so many people will choose to buy these. But so far, many college students have come forward to buy these plantable bombs, and are also gifting them to their friends and family,” he said.
Unlike conventional firecrackers, these crackers can be bought online or can be sent through courier to your friends as well.
“Since there is no gunpowder or harmful chemical used in the process of making these crackers, it is safe for shipping and we do not even need any license to sell these to the public,” Ray added.
These eco-friendly crackers come without risk of suffering injuries.
“I want to change the narrative that Deepawali is all about loud noise and explosions. We have started a hashtag: #dontburstgrow,” Ray further added.
“I visited Sivakasi which manufactures 90 per cent of the firecrackers. I explained the process but they were not interested because the conventional way of making firecrackers with gunpowder and chemicals is much more profitable for them,” he said.
Kavya Singh, a student who recently bought these crackers for Deepawali said, “I was never into bursting crackers as a child also but this is a great way of celebrating the festival. It will also be like a project for the family members to take care of the plant even when the festival is over.”
