Images of fragrant smoke escaping from an incense stick and diffusing into the air bring back cherished memories of festivals spent with family and friends. In India, incense is an integral part of our lives. Most businesses open with the burning of a few of incense sticks, not only as an offering to God, but also to dispel the musty smell of a closed space! However, the ash which incense leaves behind is something all of us could do without.