A Sustainable Easter: How to Celebrate Without Harming the Planet

Summer Jones sheds light on the often-overlooked environmental impact of Easter. From plastic-wrapped chocolates to disposable decorations, the holiday generates a significant amount of waste. However, with a few simple swaps, Easter can be both joyful and sustainable. Here’s how to make greener choices this season while still enjoying all the fun!

Eco-Friendly Easter Eggs

Easter egg basket. Photo credits: Pixabay.

Chocolate is a staple of Easter, but many traditional Easter eggs come wrapped in layers of plastic and foil, contributing to landfill waste. Opting for ethical, sustainable chocolate brands can reduce your footprint. Brands like Divine Chocolate and Tony’s Chocolonely offer both Fairtrade and organic chocolate, ensuring ethically sourced cocoa, fair wages for farmers, and eco-friendly farming methods. For those looking to reduce waste, companies such as Montezuma’s and Moo Free provide Easter eggs with compostable or recyclable packaging. Another sustainable option is making your own Easter treats, allowing control over ingredients while avoiding unnecessary packaging. Silicone molds and Fairtrade cocoa add an eco-friendly touch. Additionally, refillable egg alternatives, such as reusable metal or wooden eggs, can be filled with homemade treats, small toys, or notes, creating a fun and personal touch to Easter tradition.

Sustainable Easter Decorations and Gifts

Easter decorations often rely on single-use plastics, but there are plenty of eco-friendly alternatives. Natural decorations, such as painted eggshells, fresh flowers, and reusable wooden ornaments, provide a sustainable way to celebrate. DIY and upcycling projects, like turning old fabric into bunting, repurposing glass jars for table centrepieces, or using recycled paper for homemade Easter cards, add a personal and eco-conscious touch. When it comes to gifts, wooden puzzles, second-hand books, or experiences like a nature walk or wildlife park visit make thoughtful and sustainable choices. Hosting an Easter gathering can also be made greener by opting for reusable tableware instead of disposable plates and cutlery. For Easter baskets, consider weaving your own from recycled paper or using fabric tote bags that can be repurposed long after the celebrations.

Greener Easter Activities

Gardening can be a fun Easter activity. Photo credits: Pixabay.

Traditional Easter activities don’t have to be wasteful; there are plenty of eco-friendly alternatives to enjoy. Instead of plastic eggs, opt for a nature-based egg hunt using reusable wooden or ceramic eggs, or try a scavenger hunt with nature-themed clues for a zero-waste option. Seed planting can be a meaningful activity, encouraging children to grow wildflowers or herbs instead of receiving plastic trinkets, which supports sustainability and helps pollinators. For egg dyeing, natural ingredients like beetroot, turmeric, and spinach create vibrant colours without the need for synthetic dyes. Eco-friendly crafts using recycled materials such as cardboard, old fabric, or dried leaves offer a creative way to celebrate. Try making papier mâché eggs or fabric bunnies!. Another great alternative is a wildlife walk, where families can explore nature and look for signs of spring, from budding flowers to nesting birds and frogspawn in ponds.

A Sustainable Easter Feast

An Easter gathering. Photo credits: Pixabay.

Easter dinner is a highlight of the holiday, but traditional menus can have a large environmental footprint. A few simple changes can make a big difference. Incorporating plant-based alternatives, such as lentil or fake meat roasts, vegetable pies, and dairy-free desserts, helps reduce meat consumption while offering delicious and eco-friendly options. Check out Wild Magazine’s vegetarian roast recommendations here! Choosing local and seasonal ingredients supports farmers, cuts down on food miles, and ensures fresher meals. To minimise food waste, planning portions carefully, using leftovers creatively, and composting food scraps can significantly reduce waste. Even beverage choices can be more sustainable by opting for organic, Fairtrade, or locally sourced wines, teas, and juices to complement the Easter feast. For a more eco-friendly table setting, swap disposable napkins for cloth ones and choose candles made from soy or beeswax instead of paraffin-based options, creating a more sustainable atmosphere for the celebration.

Reducing Easter Waste

Easter often leads to excess waste, but a few simple habits can help cut down unnecessary disposal. One way to reduce waste is by repurposing Easter baskets - reuse old ones or repurpose containers like tote bags or woven baskets rather than buying new ones each year. Make sure to recycle and compost any packaging, food scraps, or decorations that are no longer usable. Encouraging conscious consumerism by buying only what is needed and opting for quality over quantity can also help reduce overall waste. Avoid plastic grass in Easter baskets, as it is non-recyclable; instead, use shredded recycled paper or fabric scraps. If hosting an Easter party, consider giving guests eco-friendly party favours like plantable seed paper, mini potted herbs, or homemade baked goods instead of plastic trinkets. Lastly, repair and reuse broken decorations, tableware, or toys instead of discarding them, extending their life and reducing waste.

Conclusion

Celebrating Easter sustainably doesn’t mean sacrificing tradition - it’s about making mindful choices that reduce waste and promote ethical consumption while still enjoying the holiday's joys. By opting for eco-friendly chocolates, such as those made with Fairtrade and organic ingredients, and choosing decorations that are reusable or nature-based, you can reduce your environmental impact without compromising on the festive spirit. Sustainable meals, whether plant-based or made with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, allow you to savour delicious food while supporting local communities and minimising food miles. From reducing waste through creative DIY projects to choosing sustainable gifts and activities, every small change adds up to a more sustainable holiday. A greener Easter is not just possible; it’s an opportunity to create meaningful traditions that are both enjoyable and respectful of the planet, ensuring that the celebrations are as rewarding for the Earth as they are for you.

About the Author:

Summer is a Zoology student at the University of Exeter, interested in promoting a greener lifestyle to save the environment, passionate about sharing these ideas with the public!