An ethical approach to Easter
Like Christmas, Easter has become one of those annual celebrations that the sustainably minded among us have started to dread. Supermarket shelves are fit to burst with boxes of wasteful plastic packaging for something that will survive less than 30 seconds once presented to the kids. According to Wrap, the government’s waste advisory body, we buy over 80 million Easter eggs every year, resulting in 3,000 tonnes of packaging being disposed of.
The good news is…
Things are looking up! Many big brand producers have been working to reduce their plastic waste and some now contain no plastic at all, carrying a logo stating ‘No plastic – easier to recycle’. There’s even a Tearfund campaign urging Christians to shun plastic over Lent.
Plastic-free eggs
Look beyond the supermarket shelves and you will find some wonderful plastic-free alternatives. Montezuma sell ‘eco eggs’ which come in sturdy biodegradable paper outer shells and a foil wrapping. Vegan favourite Booja-Booja sells dairy, gluten and soya-free chocolate truffles packaged inside beautiful hand-painted papier-mâché eggs made in Kashmir, India. These egg-packaged truffles are completely free of plastic packaging and each design is totally unique.
Chocolate alternatives
Of course, not everyone likes the idea of giving chocolate and fuelling the kids (or anyone for that matter!) with unhealthy sugar. We love the idea of adopting a shark egg with the Shark Trust or giving sunflower seeds or bulbs to be planted and grown as a lovely family activity that will last much longer than a chocolate egg. How about getting a salad patch on the go ready for summer?
Alternatively, you could spend Easter Sunday baking up a storm and making your own hot cross buns, or a delicious Easter Simnel cake with your family – using organic bamboo utensils of course! If you would like to give a gift, why not consider a waste-free subscription, e-gift card, or something fun but ethical, like these bunny rabbit socks from Thought Clothing. Sumptuously soft and made from sustainable bamboo and organic cotton.
If your friends and relatives do turn up with their arms full of Easter eggs this year, rest assured that the majority of packaging can be recycled. Cardboard boxes, foil and many types of plastic can be recycled kerbside. If not, check your local council for details of your nearest recycling facilities.