Posted by Wenona Napolitano on Mar.29, 2010

©iStockPhoto.com - _Ellie_

Easter is right around the corner. Have you thought about greening Easter this year?

There are several easy ways to add a little eco to your Easter without much effort.

One of the biggest wastes when it comes to Easter is the baskets that get tossed in the garbage every year. This year keep the baskets out of the trash. If you use cheap throw away plastic baskets or other disposable containers every year think about finding a nice, sturdy basket instead that can be used again and again. I found heavy duty wicker baskets that get used year after year for my children. It’s an Easter tradition. Each child has their own basket that is refilled with goodies every year.

Not interested in storing a basket year after year? Another option is buying something useful like a tote bag, laundry basket, even a small decorative garbage can and filling it with Easter goodies. Then the container can be used in the child’s room or somewhere else in the house instead of being tossed in the trash. Backpacks are a great option because really, what kid doesn’t need a great backpack? I know my kids really go through them for school and always seem to be in need of a new one.

Now that you have thought about eco-friendly Easter basket alternatives let’s talk about what to put in them.

Another awful Easter tradition is that plastic grass that sticks to everything. There’s nothing eco about it. Ditch it. If you must have a basket filler, shred paper or use more eco-friendly options like natural raffia. The best option is to just forget about the filler- kids really don’t care about it at all.

What they do care about is the sweet stuff. Yes, candy. Organic and all natural candies are a great eco-option for the Easter baskets but where can you find it? Most grocery stores are only filled with your candy basics not too many organic options.

Yummy Earth makes delicious organic lollipops, gummy bears, gummy worms and hard candy drops. Sweet Earth Chocolates has organic chocolate bunnies and eggs. So does Allison’s Gourmet. If you want organic jelly beans check out the Natural Candy Store or Sugar Coated Organics.

Now what else to add to their baskets that will be eco-friendly? Start out by giving them items that are really wanted and will definitely be used. I usually throw in a few items of spring and summer clothing and outdoor toys for summer.

Art supplies are also a great option because they never go to waste in my house. The Stubby Pencil Studio has a great selection of eco-art supplies for kids as well as toys, party stuff and other green goodies your kids would probably love.

There are many online stores that now cater to eco-kids items. Eco-Artware has adorable stuffed animals made from old sweaters: piglets, elephants, penguins (I love these), kangaroos, and rabbits (perfect for Easter).

Terracycle has items that are useful and eco-friendly like backpacks and other school supplies made from recycled drink pouches, candy wrapper and chip bags.

Most kids have iPods or other mp3 players; grab them some eco-accessories for the things they are never without like eco-friendly wood ear buds or speakers made from recycled cardboard. Check out MerkuryInnovations.com for more eco-tech accessories.

The trick to having a more eco-Easter is just taking a little extra time to consider what goes into the basket instead of just filling it with cheap stuff that will get trashed and broken within days. Before you know it you’ll be eco without even trying.

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Posted under Eco-Friendly Ideas, Family.