Eco-Friendly ideas
Springtime is a time of rebirth and regeneration for nature, but it can also be a time of unnecessary waste during the Easter holiday. Luckily, going green doesn’t mean cancelling the egg hunt or replacing chocolate with carrot sticks. Check out these tips for ecofriendly Easter celebrations that everyone will love.
Cut out plastic eggs
Using plastic eggs can be extremely wasteful, especially when you’re purchasing new eggs each year. Instead, try biodegradable goody bags, a compostable Easter egg option, wooden eggs, or try wool felted eggs. If you must use plastic eggs, store them in a safe place so you can reuse them each year.
Gift an experience rather than an object
Easter baskets are often stuffed to the brim with new toys, candy, and chocolate. Rather than teaching your children a culture of materialism, offer a gift that you can share and experience together instead of a toy they’ll forget about by May. Consider a trip to the zoo to see the new baby animals, a visit to a park to see the seasons change in nature, or a cooking class using fresh, natural ingredients.
Second-hand Easter egg basket
Rather than purchasing a new, plastic Easter basket, consider shopping at your local thrift store or second-hand shop instead.
They’ll have plenty of rustic options, and you’ll be preventing more waste. You can also get creative and make your own, using colorful ceramicware, buckets, or even umbrellas and rain boots.
Try natural dyes for Easter eggs
One of the most beloved celebrations for Easter is dying eggs. However, many storebought dyes are full of chemicals that can run into natural waterways and pollute freshwater ecosystems. Try natural dyes from fruits, vegetables, and spices you find in your kitchen. To use natural ingredients, boil 1 quart of water with 2 tablespoons of white vinegar and simmer with the ingredients for 30 minutes. Then, cool and strain the dye and let soak for at least 30 minutes. Use red cabbage in water for a vibrant blue, try red onions for a jade green, grape juice makes a great lavender, and paprika creates a pink-red.
Organic or fair-trade chocolate
Easter traditions often include chocolates and other bunnyshaped treats. If you opt for chocolate in your Easter basket, consider purchasing chocolate that is locally produced to support your local chocolatiers. These options are readily available at your local grocer.