A Tisket a Tasket - a Greener Easter Basket

Apparently, there's no off-switch when you're trying to make better choices for your family and the environment. Honestly, I've never thought about the negative impact Easter has on our environment and health.

But when you consider the plastic baskets, plastic grass, plastic eggs and dyes containing harmful chemicals it makes sense to seek out safer choices. I've committed myself to this and there's no turning back now.

Not only is Easter arriving early this year - it falls right around my due date! I'm collecting ideas and resources a little early in hopes of creating a greener Easter for our family this year!

Easter Baskets

• reuse baskets from previous years
• re-purpose a different type of container such as a - fruit bowl, picnic basket or flower pot
• purchase a basket supporting fair trade practices
• if you just can't resist and want to buy the colorful baskets reminiscent of your childhood, Land of Nod has handwoven baskets containing no PVC

Easter Grass
There's no need to use plastic grass anymore. Besides, how bummed out did you get when you had to waste the time to skillfully unwrap the plastic strands from your glorious chocolate bunny before you could take a bite!

• have the kids get involved and grow your own grass
  
• put your paper shredder to work and recycle paper to use as grass
• try this edible sugar-free Easter grass
• Nova Natural sells 100% wool fleece grass that can be used for years to come
  

Easter Eggs

• if possible purchase organic, cage-free eggs for your baskets.
• use your own vegetable or fruit-based dyes
• purchase a kit containing natural dyes for your eggs

Here's a tip for a large, peaceful Easter Egg Hunt:

• prepare several dozen eggs and number each one 1-12 (of course natural eggs are the best choice, but if you have plastic ones just make sure you hold on to them and use them year after year)
  
• mix up eggs and hide as usual
• instruct "hunters" they must find the eggs in number order - this helps everyone have an equal shot at finding eggs and makes the fun last a little longer

To save yourself a little work . . . if you have multiple families involved in your hunt, ask each family to bring a dozen numbered eggs for each member that will be participating.

Resources:
Ecobites
Green Promise
Green Guide
Nova Natural