Eco-Easter
Green Basket Ideas

 

According to the EPA, we each generate 4.6 pounds of municipal solid waste per day --and more than 30% of that comes from product packaging. Trash production peaks after major holidays, with Easter second only to Christmas in terms of the amount thrown out.

But you can make a difference by making your own eco-friendly Easter basket. Here are our suggestions for a greener holiday treat on any budget: 

  • Instead of buying plastic baskets (which are often made with hazardous PVC), check around the house for a basket you can re-use. Or pick up a sturdy fair trade basket, like this rustic one from Ten Thousand Villages.
  • Skip disposable plastic grass. Instead, cut used paper into thin strips to fill your basket (and recycle it afterward). Or try something cute and compostable, like real grass or straw.
  • Think twice about giving a live animal. According to the CDC, hatcheries and farms are stressed to produce and mass-ship baby chicks and ducklings in response to demand around Easter. The process is unhealthy for the animals and the environment--and can even make you sick.
  • For wholesome fun, try all-natural egg dyes. Use purple grape juice or red wine for purple; spinach for green; carrots or citrus peels for yellow; beets or cranberries for pink; and coffee or black walnut shells for brown. Simply boil the ingredient for 15 minutes in water, add a few tablespoons of white vinegar, and soak the eggs. (For a less DIY approach, try all-natural egg color kits).

Still have space in your Easter basket? Holidays are a great time to support local green businesses like Theo Chocolate, Goods for the Planet, Market Street Traders or even local farmers markets. And we know it's the wrong holiday, but check out Green Halloween for more kid-friendly treats and party planning ideas.

Like this article? More to try:

Holiday Paper-Saving Tips

Toxic Toys

The Low-Down on Packaging Peanuts