If the Easter bunny comes to your house you know it’s time to start helping him get those baskets together and dyeing those eggs! Here are a few simple swaps you can make for a close-to-zero-waste Easter basket this year!
Better Basket
The centerpiece of the Easter bunny’s visit is the basket of goodies he leaves, right? This year take a moment to consider the basket itself and see if you can improve on it’s eco-friendliness.
I grew up with far from zero waste Easter baskets made of plastic which unfortunately are not recyclable (a quick search on Earth911 confirmed it). However, they are definitely reusable!
So, if you saved them last year dig them out from wherever you stashed them for use again this year.
If you can’t bear to use them again be sure to donate them.
They are usually pretty durable since they are made of plastic and hold up pretty well. They would be a welcome addition to a family in need looking to share a festive Easter basket.
If you are starting from scratch or need to replace baskets, opt for a handmade wooden or wicker basket or present goodies in a container that can do double-duty like a sand pail, fabric basket or flower pot.
Greener Grass
No basket from the Easter bunny is complete without grass!
Unfortunately the colorful plastic grass does not make for a zero waste Easter basket!
It’s not recyclable however it iss reusable! So, if you’ve got it lying around fluff it up and pop it into your baskets!
If you’re in need of new grass be sure to opt for a paper version so you can recycle it after Easter – or save it for next year!
Paper grass seems to be pretty readily available. During a stop at our local grocery I took a peek to see what type of Easter grass they had for sale.
I was pleasantly surprised to see that the only type they had available (okay, maybe all the plastic stuff was already purchased!) was paper grass made from 100% recycled paper. Nice!
My point is that you shouldn’t have to run all over the place just to find a bag of eco-friendly, paper Easter grass! 🙂
Eco-Friendly Eggs
When it comes to eggs for dyeing, one great way to go more eco-friendly is to buy your eggs locally.
If your eggs travel a shorter distance to get to you then less fuel (energy) will be used = good for the environment.
In addition, supporting local, small farms helps keep them in business – and the cycle continues.
Where can you buy locally produced eggs? One great source is your local farmer’s market.
If you aren’t sure where and when there is a farmer’s market open near you, check out this directory of farmer’s markets where you can search by zip code.
Another great source to consider, which will take a little time to get going, is a delivery service from a local farm. I recently started getting milk and eggs from South Mountain Creamery. It’s great to know that our milk and eggs are coming fresh from a local farm!
Build Your Basket
If you are starting from scratch and need to build your close to zero waste Easter basket here are a few great products to help. And, they are all available online so with just a few clicks you’ll be on your way to a great, green Easter basket!
Wooden Easter Basket
Skip the plastic basket and opt for a natural material instead!
Natural Egg Dye
Dye your Easter eggs with beautiful colors made from fruits, herbs, and veggies!
Eco Friendly Easter Eggs
A great alternative to other plastic Easter eggs! Eco Eggs are made from a non-toxic, durable, plant-based plastic.
Paper Easter Basket Grass
Waaaay better than plastic grass! This grass is made from 100% recycled paper and can be reused or recycled!
So there you have it – super simple swaps you can make for a zero waste Easter basket!
Pick one green swap for your Easter baskets this year or do them all!! Either way, any small step you make toward living greener is a good one! Hoppy Easter! 🙂
