We all love Easter, it’s that time of year when lent has finally finished and we can binge on all the chocolate we want without any judgement. It’s also when we start to really feel like Spring is here, buds of flowers popping up, longer days and warmer weather.
But have you ever thought about all the unnecessary waste that comes with this chocolate celebration? All the plastic packaging, foil egg wrappers, plastic eggs made for hunts and the fake plastic or paper grass that fills up an Easter basket. I can tell you now that 90% of that will end up in landfill and won’t break down properly.
Now you’re probably thinking that having a greener easter means taking away the fun? Not at all, in fact, it can be just as fun but in a more environmentally friendly way, and here is how!
My Easter ‘green’ alternatives
Chocolate is the number one thing we think of when we hear the word Easter. So this year instead of buying the classic chocolate brands, why not buy from a fair trade certified chocolate brand? These companies ensure that the farmers that make the cocoa have the correct working conditions and are paid fairly.
Here are some brands you might want to consider:
🍫 M&S have a large range of fair trade chocolate.
🍫 Waitrose own brand of chocolate is fair trade.
🍫 Green & Blacks is a popular choice when it comes to fair trade.
🍫 Divine, their whole range is fair trade.
🍫 Lastly my absolute favourite chocolate … Malteasers! Yes, it's fairtrade!
Always make sure to look for the fair trade sign on the packaging before purchasing any of these chocolate products.
Most people like to use mini eggs or creme eggs for an Easter egg hunt, but have you ever thought of using naturally dyed hard-boiled eggs? There are two great reasons why you should use these over creme eggs.
You can use the eggs after the hunt to make an Easter cake or breakfast the next day.
To create your own natural dye you can use ingredients that you will find in the kitchen, without having to buy anything!
How can I create my own natural dye?
Here are 4 simple steps:
Mix together 1 cup of water and 2 tbsp of white vinegar in a medium pot.
Bring to the boil and add your dye ingredients for your desired egg colour, then lower the heat and let simmer for 30 minutes.
Let it cool, then strain the dye to remove any food fragments.
Add the eggs to the strained dye and let soak for at least 30 minutes. When it reaches the colour you are after, remove the egg with tongs and pat it dry with paper towels.
Why not give a different gift this Easter?
Everyone loves chocolate, but let’s be honest, you can have chocolate whenever you want, from anywhere you want. So this year consider doing something to help the planet and planting a tree instead. One tree planted is a non-profit organisation that plants trees all over the world to help combat deforestation. You can become an ambassador or you can join one of their planting events by registering online. Aurora also plant a tree with every order so purchasing with purpose at Aurora is a simple way to help the planet and treat yourself!
Trees are so important to our planet for many reasons and by planting a tree this Easter you are helping our world remain beautiful for longer.
Which of these things are you going to do this Easter to be greener?
Jemma
Sustainability & Travel blogger
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