For most, Easter is another long weekend to relax with family, while decorating eggs and munching on chocolate bunnies and cream-filled eggs.
Yet it's also another annual celebration that can help us reflect on what greener options and ideas may be available.
Consider these ideas: 1.
Ditch the toxic colour Food dye red 40 can cause hyperactivity, aggressive behaviour and inability to concentrate in children, and migraines and upset stomach in adults.
Consider making your own dyes with ingredients from your kitchen.
Some blueberries, raspberries, and turmeric make beautiful colours.
Or look for vegetable and plant based dyes that are safer for the environment and your family's health.
2.
Select better eggs There are 280 million egg-laying hens in the Unites States alone that are confined to battery cages where they can barely move their wings.
Over 60% of moms buy 2 dozen eggs for Easter.
Make sure your eggs are from happy hens by selecting organic or free range eggs.
3.
Better chocolate choices Easter is the 2nd top selling candy holiday, coming only behind Halloween.
And Easter eggs are the most overly packaged product with their cardboard boxes, and plastic moulds, all of which exist to display hollow chocolate eggs.
Avoid purchasing overly-packaged chocolate and candies and go for fair trade and ethically-made treats and products.
Even better, consider making your own treats like cookies and home made chocolates.
4.
No more plastic eggs Try wrapping treats and gifts in beautiful recycled ribbon or colourful tissue paper that can be recycled.
If you must have those colourful eggs, there are wood options, or if you really want the plastic ones, gather them up and save them to use again each year.
5.
Try a reusable basket instead Instead of the cheap store-bought basket filled with plastic grass, purchase a sturdy reusable basket or use one from last year.
Your kids will love having a traditional family basket.
If you are feeling crafty, try making your own one.
Fill the basket with real grass or colourful shredded paper that can be recycled or placed in the compost.
Or make the basket lining part of the gift.
Try using some pretty gloves, a decorative scarf, or a headband or ribbon.
Easter can certainly be a greener affair in your family and community.
There are lots of eco-friendly products and gifts the Easter Bunny can bring for you and your loved ones.