Egg-cellent Eco-Friendly Tips for Easter
By Brian Bowe
As spring continues to blossom and Easter approaches, families prepare for festivities filled with tried-and-tested traditions like egg hunts, sweet treats and colourful decorations. However, many of the items associated with Easter—think plastic eggs, synthetic dyes, and mass-produced chocolates create unnecessary waste that contributes to our overflowing landfills. This year, why not embrace an eco-friendly Easter? Here are some fun, simple and sustainable ideas to help your family celebrate without the unnecessary waste.
1. Choose Organic Eggs
Easter is synonymous with eggs, as many households increase their egg consumption during this festive season. Instead of opting for standard supermarket eggs, consider selecting organic or free-range eggs produced locally. Organic eggs come from hens raised under strict guidelines that ensure their wellbeing and sustainably-managed habitats. By choosing organic, you’re not only prioritising animal welfare but also sending a message to producers about the importance of sustainability.
2. Colour Your Eggs with Natural Dyes
Instead of purchasing pre-dyed eggs or artificial dye packets, get creative and use natural ingredients from your kitchen! Common foods can provide beautiful dyes: for example, beetroot creates a vivid pink, while turmeric brings a vibrant yellow. To dye eggs naturally, simply combine two cups of your chosen dye source with two tablespoons of white vinegar and simmer for 30 minutes. Let the mixture cool, then soak your hard-boiled eggs until they reach the desired hue. This DIY approach reduces waste while adding a personalised touch.
3. Opt for Reusable Egg Hunt Supplies
Let the hunt begin! Easter egg hunts are my personal highlight, but the movement away from traditional hard-boiled eggs to plastic counterparts has led to increased waste. Instead of plastic baskets or bags, consider using reusable items such as wicker baskets or tote bags. If you need new supplies, wooden or felt eggs can replace their plastic counterparts. You can even get crafty and paint rocks and pebbles to serve as decorative eggs. For filling your baskets, skip the plastic grass and use shredded paper or fabric, which can be composted afterward.
4. Select Organic Fairtrade Chocolate
As I’m sure is the case with most families, Easter means chocolate season in my house. In Ireland last year, we spent a staggering 24.6 million on chocolate eggs. Yet, the production of conventional chocolate often involves harmful practices. This year, prioritise organic fairtrade chocolate, which guarantees fair wages for farmers and a production process free from harmful pesticides. Explore local chocolatiers who offer delicious treats with minimal or no plastic packaging. Alternatively, consider gifting experiences or eco-friendly gifts, such as art supplies or outdoor games, to shift the focus away from sweets.
5. Prepare a Sustainable Easter Roast
If your family enjoys a traditional Easter roast, consider sourcing your meat from local markets or butchers. Choose certified organic options when possible. For an even more environmentally friendly option, opt for a vegetarian or vegan meal, using seasonal produce. Many specialty stores now offer delicious meat-free alternatives that are often packaged without plastic, allowing you to indulge in festive flavors sustainably.
6. Manage Easter Waste
Easter can lead to an increase in waste, from excess food to discarded packaging. Be proactive about waste reduction: recycle clean and dry materials like cardboard, paper, and metal, while composting food scraps such as eggshells and vegetable remnants. To minimize food waste, plan meals carefully and use leftovers creatively.
Hopefully all of these ideas help make your Easter year a special one. Embracing sustainable practices not only benefits the environment but also creates meaningful traditions for your family. By choosing organic ingredients, using natural dyes, and selecting sustainable products, we help both ourselves and the planet.
Happy Easter!
