Weekly Green Tips #46 - Eco-Easter Ideas

Week 46 - 7 Eco-Easter Ideas

Like any time of celebration Easter can come with a lot of extra unnecessary packaging and unnecessary waste so why not buck the trend this year and go for an Eco-Easter.  It's easier than you think and both your pocket and your teeth will thank you!

7  Ways to have A Green Easter

1.  Choose Easter Eggs with Minimal Packaging

Easter Eggs are one of the worst products on the market for excess packaging.  A much smaller than expected foil-wrapped egg in a plastic mould, in a cardboard box that is finally wrapped in clear plastic.  Ouch!  That is a lot of non recyclable single use plastic for a quick treat.  So choose eggs with less packaging or simply don't give as many. (See pt 4)

French Easter eggs generally have less packaging

2.  Go for Fair-Trade and Organic Chocolate

If you are going to buy chocolate buying fair-trade and organic is the best option for workers and the environment.

3.  Buy Real Eggs

Head to your local farm shop and buy some locally produced free range eggs.  Have fun using natural dyes to colour them and use these for your Easter Egg Hunts.

4.  Buy Other Presents

Why not get a bit creative this year and buy some different Easter gifts.  How about some organic carrot seeds so your children can grow tasty carrots for the Easter Bunny?  Or an Easter themed book or china Easter cup.  Once the chocolate is gone, it's gone but other gifts will last much longer.

5.  Support Local Businesses

I have already mentioned buying real eggs from a local producer and you can extend this to more of the food you eat this Easter.  Head to your nearest farmer's market or farm shop this Easter and help support local producers.  Also look out for Easter events being run by National Trust properties and businesses in your area.  Your local open farm may have real chicks, baby rabbits or lambs for you to coo over.  Or what about a family holiday at an Eco-Gite?  Do remember though, that if you are walking in the countryside with your dog that it must be under control and not chase livestock.

6.   Make your own Easter Bonnets etc.

For bonnets, table decoration, baskets etc you can make your own and avoid over-packaged and overly plastic items.  Whilst you can get some lovely Easter craft kits it is even better if you make your own from items you've already got in the house.

7.   Make you own Easter Treats

Pretty much as soon as food retailers get Christmas out of the way then the first Creme Eggs appear on the shelves, followed all too soon by all sort of Easter foods to tempt those with a sweet tooth.  OK, by now you MUST know the score - they'll be over packaged, high in sugar and fat and packed full of e-numbers and chemical additives.  You can avoid all of these by making your own.  Home made and decorated Easter cupcakes are so much more tasty and the kids will love helping you to make them.

Do you have any more tips to enjoy a more Eco-Easter?  Or any favourite craft ideas?  Please do let me know in a comment.

Have you seen all the other posts in my #WeeklyGreenTips series?  Click on "Weekly Green Tips" in the labels section in the right hand column for loads more green inspiration.