It’s not as hard as you think! Putting in little effort means less plastic and waste this Easter, plus you will also save $$$ on Easter consumables you don’t really need!
1. Ditch the plastic eggs. Seriously, we think kids need eggs with small toys or sweets inside them? If you already have them, reuse them every year or donate them to a community egg hunt. Alternatives: real eggs (of course), wooden eggs, smiles.
2. Buy organic free range eggs from a local farmer. You probably already know about the hideous treatment of egg-laying hens in industrial farms, so please don’t support the industry and stay away from caged eggs. Support farmers who treat their animals properly. The eggs are more nutritious and much, much tastier.
3. Dye your eggs with natural dyes instead of store bought, petroleum-based dyes. Even if you are not eating the dye, the production of chemically synthesized dyes is bad for the world. If you have the energy to chop up and cook your own veggie dye dips, check out https://www.myfrugalhome.com/how-to-dye-easter-eggs-naturally/
4. Buy a second-hand Easter basket – if you enjoy the tradition I encourage you to head out to your local Opp shop to pick up a second-hand basket. Or, reuse a basket you already own.
5. Ditch the plastic grass. Again, more plastic. I know they sell paper grass, now, but instead shred up a paper bag or old wrapping paper. Or, you know, just skip the fake grass altogether.
6. Buy fair trade chocolate. There are lots of companies who source their cocoa from sources that don’t exploit the workers and the environment. Loving Earth, Rainbow Alliance, Hey Tiger, choose local and support the producers or make your own! As well as considering what your Easter eggs are made of, it’s also important to think about the packaging. Choose Easter treats with less (or no) packaging – or opt for cardboard where possible – to reduce the amount of waste being sent to landfill. And remember – those colourful foil wrappers can be recycled Australia-wide, so once you’re done gorging, scrunch them into a big ball and pop them in the recycle bin.
7. Instead of filling a basket with toys and candy, consider an alternatives such as plants, seed packets or even a small tree your children can replant in the garden. It’s springtime, after all — a great time to get a little family gardening time in.
8. Save your egg shells for the compost!
9. Make a donation or volunteer your time. Instead of thinking of the holiday as a time to give cute gifts, make your celebration even more meaningful by giving back to the community or your favorite charity. These simple ways to make a difference this spring are perfect for kids.
10. Spend the day with your family and friends. Go to the park. Go birdwatching. Go to the zoo, animal farms to see the rabbits, lambs and baby chicks. Celebrate the simple things of spring. Do you have brunch or dinner together? Work in the kitchen with the kids, or take a picnic to the park.
Having an eco-friendly Easter is actually pretty easy now that you know how. I’m by no means perfect when it comes to living an environmentally conscience life, but I do what I can and learn a bit more each day about how we can reduce our footprint.
If we make purposeful decisions then we make better ones.
Happy Easter!
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