Aside from the religious significance of Easter, the holiday also presents an opportunity to celebrate the rebirth of the Earth. And while Easter just wouldn’t be Easter without the iconic emblems of the holiday including Easter baskets and egg hunts, following the 3 eco-friendly “R’s” can significantly make the holiday greener.

Reduce, Reuse, and Recyle those Pesky Plastic Easter Eggs

Reduce

• Skip the fake cellophane grass; once thrown away, it sits in landfills because it isn’t biodegradable. Plus, it can be dangerous if children or pets try to eat it. Use fresh hay or woodland moss or just skip basket filling altogether.
• Reduce packaging by filling baskets with homemade goodies and candies that are not individually wrapped.
• Use natural dyes instead of artificial ones made from processed ingredients (find out here or here).

Reuse

• Don’t purchase new baskets; repurpose old baskets, boxes, or buckets you already have around the house. Or if new baskets are a must, purchase pesticide-free, fair trade baskets.
• While you’re better off not using those bright-colored plastic eggs at all, the kids will inevitably pick some up at the neighborhood Easter egg hunt so find ways to reuse them instead of throwing them out (I loved the Geeky Housewife’s 50 uses for plastic Easter eggs).
• Use potted plants and flowers as Easter centerpieces that can be replanted in your yard after the holiday.

Recycle

• Recycle all plastic wrapping, paper, and plastic eggs (if permissible).
• Don’t throw away those hardboiled eggs after the Easter egg hunt but rather find recipes your family that utilizes the eggs. As for the eggshells, sprinkle them in your garden as fertilizer or use them to plant seedlings.