Green Easter
This year we are dyeing eggs early because I can go into labor at any time and if I do not, I have a c-section scheduled for March 18th. I want to participate with them so we will do it this weekend. I always try to stay away from too much candy and junk for Easter. This year will be no different and we are trying to keep our Easter “green”. Here are some alternatives to candy and junk and some tips to be more Earth friendly for your Easter.
Say no to plastic grass. Grow your own. This is easy and looks great in a basket or for a table centerpiece. I have seen edible grass in Target that you can use as an alternative. Have your kids color or paint some paper and shred it for their baskets.
Use natural dyes for eggs. Boil your eggs in water with vinegar and one of these ingredients below, then let simmer for at least 15 minutes:
Purple grape juice (for lavender)
Red cabbage (for blue)
Spinach (for green)
Carrot tops, orange peels or lemon peels (for yellow)
Yellow onion skins (for orange)
Beets or cranberries (for pink)
Red onion skins (for red)
Skip the candy. If you have to use plastic eggs (we use the same ones every year) fill them with coins, almonds or raisins. Or you can just hide the dyed eggs.
Skip the toys. Instead maybe buy books, puzzles, outdoor chalk, phthalate free bath toys (bunnies or ducks are perfect) or bubbles (you can even make the bubbles yourself).
Here are some more ideas for Easter and Easter craft ideas. What do you give your children in their Easter baskets?
Easter, Easter baskets, green Easter, candy alternative for kids, kids, parenting, parenting children, Easter candy, Easter ideas, Easter crafts, Easter craft ideas, Easter gifts, dyeing eggs, natural dye for eggs
March 13th, 2008 at 10:50 am
[...] toys and bottles, we are trying to conserve water and use Earth friendly cleaning products. This Easter will be no different, we will try and be more environmentally aware with our gifts for our kids. Here are some green [...]
March 13th, 2008 at 10:55 pm
Great ideas Erinn! I love the natural dye suggestions.
Best wishes with your c-section and new baby!
March 14th, 2008 at 8:52 am
Thanks Sandra!
March 15th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
[...] Dye for Eggs. I didn’t realise how many colours you could get from using vegetables. The Parenting Our Children Website has a great list of vegetables to use and also some other ideas about having a Green [...]
March 21st, 2008 at 7:06 pm
[...] some more ideas? See Erinn’s Green Easter post on Parenting [...]
March 24th, 2009 at 2:49 am
Great tips!
I will have to try those dyes.