Easter is here and if you’re anything like most Aussie families, you’re probably balancing school holidays, planning a family lunch, and trying to dodge the rising cost of eggs (seriously, $7 a dozen?!). But just because prices are up doesn’t mean our impact on the planet has to be too. This Good Friday, let’s hop into some fun, affordable, and sustainable ways to celebrate Easter without leaving behind a trail of plastic and waste.
1. Get crafty with reusable Easter decorations
Skip the cheap plastic bunnies and gaudy tinsel and opt for decorations you can use year after year. Think hand-painted wooden eggs, fabric bunting, or cute op-shop baskets. You could even gather the kids for a DIY session using recycled cardboard, old magazines, and whatever art supplies are already lying around at home. Bonus points if you repurpose last year’s wrapping paper or Easter cards!
2. Dye eggs naturally (if you can afford to spare them!)
With egg prices sky-high, this one’s optional; but if you happen to have a few spare from your backyard chooks or a bargain buy, give natural dyes a go. Red cabbage, turmeric, onion skins, and beetroot all make gorgeous earthy colours without the chemical smell of store-bought kits. It’s a fun little science-meets-art project the kids will love, and you won’t be washing synthetic dyes down the sink.
3. Go zero-waste with your Easter egg hunt
Ditch the foil-wrapped treats and create a treasure hunt with felt, wooden or reusable eggs, Or even clues leading to one or two larger, treats. If you’re feeling creative, write a riddle or mini poem for each stop along the way. (AI can help with this and you would hardly have to think of anything!). You can also hide small eco-friendly gifts like seed packets, flower press kits, or homemade vouchers for a family bike ride or movie night.
4. Choose ethical chocolate
If you’re still buying chocolate (because, let’s be honest, Easter without choccy is just… cruel), try brands that are Fair Trade, organic, or wrapped in compostable packaging. Keep your eyes peeled for local Aussie businesses doing good things and offering more ethical chocolate and gift options. It’s a feel-good win-win for you and the planet.
5. Give Easter gifts that last — and don’t cost the Earth
Instead of cheap plastic toys destined for landfill, consider gifting things with purpose. Second-hand books, plant-growing kits, or DIY baking mixes in jars. For little ones, try playdough, craft kits, or a fun experience like a trip to the zoo or a picnic in the park. These gifts help kids focus more on connection rather than consumption which helps keep the Easter magic alive, without the clutter.
6. Swap out the toothbrushes
Chocolate and dental health go hand in hand, so Easter is actually the perfect time to remind kids (and ourselves) about good oral hygiene. Not to mention that toothbrushes should be changed regularly so a new one in their basket is a great way to remember to swap them out for new ones. Pop a new toothbrush (bamboo would be great! These from Us And The Earth are good options.) into their Easter basket and have a little chat about keeping those sweet-loving teeth clean. It’s practical, good for the planet, and a sneaky parenting win disguised as a gift.
Easter doesn’t have to be extravagant to be memorable. Celebrating sustainably can actually be more fun, meaningful, and affordable in the long run. So while you’re enjoying your hot cross buns and a bit of downtime this Good Friday, maybe give one or two of these ideas a try. Mother Earth (and your bank account) will thank you!
Happy Easter, legends
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