Every year, thousands of Easter baskets, Easter grass and plastic Easter eggs are landfilled after the Easter holiday. In an effort to cut back on waste this Easter, consider making a homemade Easter basket full of environmentally friendly items for your little ones. Homemade Easter baskets are good for the environment and are a fun way to create a unique memory for your children.
To get started, try the Easter basket ideas highlighted below. Be creative, have fun and remember, mother nature and your children will thank you!
- Begin by choosing a recycled basket. Check around your house, and if your search comes up empty, check your local thrift store for a second hand basket and purchase it used. You may also consider a reusable item such as a sand pail or canvas tote. After Easter, be sure to store the basket and use it each year to come, or pass it on to a younger sibling.
Use a recycled basket and save it for future Easter basket creations. Flickr user: zoer
- Ditch the Easter grass and line the basket with an Easter themed towel or colorful fabric. Not only will you be cutting back on waste, you also won’t have to deal with the mess the grass makes. Or, if you must use Easter grass, look for ways to recycle it.
- Opt for environmentally friendly materials such as Crayola Side-Walk Paint or Gazillion Bubbles made by Funrise Toys. You may also search online for a recipe for homemade playdough and package it in recycled containers.
- Fill the basket with eco-friendly toys. Companies like Green Toys and Zoë b Organic pride themselves on selling fun, safe, environmentally-friendly toys made in the USA. Zoë b Organic has a line of biodegradable beach toys that would make great Easter basket gifts. Both brands, along with a collection of other eco-friendly toys, can also be found at your local Pottery Barn Kids store.
Teach your child how to grow their own plants and flowers with this indoor gardening kit made by Green Toys. Photo courtesy of Green Toys.
Check out these ‘Fantastic Anti-Plastic Biodegradable Beach Toys’ made by Zoë b Organic. Photo Courtesy of Zoë b Organic.
- Choose your candy wisely. It is a common tradition for every Easter basket to include a chocolate bunny and other sweet treats. Avoid selecting candy that is over- wrapped and look for treats wrapped once in colorful foil or paper. Choosing products for their eco-friendly packaging is an excellent way to reduce your carbon footprint.
Look for candy that has light packaging like these chocolate foil-wrapped eggs and chocolate bunny. Flickr user: sea-turtle
Making your own Easter basket is just one way of going green this easter. You may also consider coloring eggs with natural Easter egg dye, choosing organic ingredients for your traditional Easter dinner, or just enjoying some time outside in the sunshine with family and friends. Enjoy the holiday and Happy Easter!
