How to Go Green for Easter

Here comes Peter Cottontail, hopping down the bunny trail and leaving a trail of wrappers, plastic and chemicals behind. As you celebrate Easter with your family and friends, keep in mind that the green of the spring grass and flowers around you is not the only green to be considered. Create a greener Easter holiday by following these tips.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Blueberries
• Beets
• Paprika
• Onion skins
• Recycled paper
• Local farm market

1. Make all your eggs green. No, that doesn't mean that you have to dye all of your eggs green. It speaks more of where your eggs come from. Try to buy them from a local farmer that provides only to the local community and doesn't ship any distances. Also, if you can find cage-free eggs, which come from a gentler environment for the hens laying them, you're making a truly green choice.

2. Cut out the straw. That pretty plastic colored basket straw ends up in landfills and, like most plastics, takes longer to break down than most products. Two options exist for your basket decorating. You can buy the recycled paper straw that is just as festive or you can make your own. Find the colorful pages of magazines or old newspapers and shred them to use in your baskets.

3. Color your world, naturally--at least Easter eggs. You might be surprised that you may have fresh, natural sources for coloring eggs in your pantry or fridge. Blueberries, beets, paprika and red or yellow onion skins can all be used to add vibrant color to eggs.

4. The treats. Make them yourself or buy from you local shops and avoid the need to transport products. Making chocolate at home can be easy with molds and a little time, or opt for healthier snacks like dried fruit and nuts.

Tips & Warnings

• Fix an old basket by covering it with fabric and ribbon.