The Easter Bunny is on his way with baskets full of goodies…

But this year there’s a twist: Mr. Bunny is thinking green. We’d like to say that his change in heart was due to our little “chat” but in all likelihood, he’s been reading the papers, surfing the internet and hearing all the buzz – green is the way to go. (To be fair, Mr. Bunny has always been a fan of organics since conventionally grown carrots don’t seem to taste quite as yummy, so thinking green wasn’t such a leap – er, hop.)

Be on the lookout for the following eco-makeovers this holiday (thanks Easter Bunny!):

Baskets

·        Reused from last year, borrowed or found used at thrift shops or garage sales

·        Handmade from scraps of fabric, would-be trash or by crocheting with a free pattern found here

·        Thinking outside the conventional basket by using purses, hats, flower pots or anything that can pass as a container

·        If purchased new, make it Fair Trade

Grass

·        No plastic grass unless it is reused from last year

·        Think alternatives in grassy shades of green such as mohair fleece, wool yarn, shredded recycled or tree-free paper, play cloths or strips of fabric scraps. Or grow your own wheatgrass before the big day (and include it in a smoothie after!).

·        Most fabulously unexpected grass alternative? Strips of nori (seaweed). Toss into a soup or compost after use.

Fake eggs

·        No plastic eggs unless acquired used or used every year

·        Hide the treats and treasures themselves – sans eggs

·        Use paper eggs, or crochet your own

For all of the above – save everything for use next year, or find ways to use and re-use (i.e. baskets for storing toys, wool fleece “grass” and plastic eggs for craft projects, etc.) For more on green baskets and grass, click here.

Treats & treasures

Seek out healthy, earth-friendly and ethically sourced items whenever possible. If cost is a factor, think quality over quantity. (One year Corey’s Easter Bunny hid one giant organic, fair trade Easter egg for both of her girls to find. They had a blast hunting for it together and breaking it into equitable parts.)

And choose locally-made products in reduced and eco-wise packaging.

Remember that goodies don’t have to be “things.” Handmade coupons for experiences children enjoy, such as spending time with you at a park, zoo or elsewhere, make great gifts. For older kids, “Bunny Money” might be used to let them choose which activity they’d prefer. 

(For a list of Corey and Lynn’s favorite, kid and bunny-approved treats and treasures, click here, here, and here – sorry, we have a lot to say!)

Eggs

If you don’t own your own chickens or know someone who does, look for eco eggs: organic, free-range.

Color eggs with ready-made food-based dyes or dye made at home from:

·        Grape juice (purple)

·        Onion skins (yellow)

·        Spinach (green)

·        Blueberries (blue)

·        Beets (red)

For more eco egg ideas click here.

For a complete list of dye-worthy foods and egg-dyeing directions, check out our book, Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family.