Easter baskets are fun for children and parents alike. Environmentally conscious parents can use the tradition for some fun teaching and family time while learning how to decrease the holiday's carbon footprint. Recycled materials, grass-fed-chicken eggs and natural dyes are just a few ideas for an eco-friendly Easter.
Recycling
An Easter basket does not necessarily need to be a basket. However, many people can find traditional baskets stored away. Check through storage areas to find baskets or similar containers like decorative boxes or even bowls which can be re-used instead of buying new baskets.
Kids are usually more interested in the goodies inside than the basket itself. Recycling something from your home saves money, gas for the trip to the store and all of the energy that goes into making and transporting a new basket. This can be significant especially if the new basket comes from a distant country.
Locavore Eggs and Easter Chocolate
Switching to free range chicken eggs has many benefits, especially if purchased from a local farm. TrustedMD columnist Vreni Gurd explains the benefits of free range meats in, " Conventional vs. organic vs. free-range meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy ". The animals have a happier life, and their diets provide a better omega 3/6 fatty acid ratio.
Steven Uhrlich last reviewed the article, "Omega-3 fatty acids" on the University of Maryland Medical Center's website. The benefits of omega-3 acids are realizable in the Mediterranean diet and include, but are not limited to:
- Reduced inflammation while omega-6 acids promote inflation
- Lowering risk of heart disease, cancer, and arthritis
- Increased cognative function
Purchasing chocolate from local retailers supports the local economy and reduces energy use from transportation. Fair trade chocolate may be difficult to find, but ensures slave labor is not used in production.
Transportation can add to the carbon footprint of any product, so buying eggs and chocolate locally is good for the local economy and the environment. Hay or straw may be available for purchase at the same farms free range eggs are purchased. Consider this a natural alternative to plastic Easter grass.
Natural Easter Egg Dye
Dying Easter eggs can be educational and fun. Many traditional egg dyes can be made from natural sources. Producing these dyes is a good basis for a grade school science project. Boil a handful of the dye ingredient in about a cup of water. Boiling longer or soaking the egg longer will produce a more intense dye color.
- Blue: Canned blueberries, boiled red cabbage or red grape juice.
- Brown: Coffee, black walnut shells or black tea.
- Green: Boiled spinach leaves.
- Orange: Boiled yellow onion skins, paprika or carrots.
- Red: Boiled red onions and skins, red beets and juice, canned cherries or raspberries. Less boiling or dying produces a pink color.
- Yellow: Boiled orange or lemon peels, celery seed, turmeric, cumin or green tea.
Easter can be fun and eco-friendly. With a little imagination and commitment, Easter baskets can also help the local economy and provide educational fun!
Justin Novak - I graduated from Michigan Technological University in December of 2007 with a Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering. My ...
