Make your Easter More sustainable

Simple eco friendly Easter tips to reduce waste and celebrate more sustainably

Shauna Coates

April 4, 2023

Be green this Easter

Easter is a time of celebration, but it can also be an opportunity to make more environmentally friendly choices. While many people feel that Easter eggs are over-packaged, they actually account for just 0.266% of total household packaging in the UK.

That said, once the chocolate is gone, the leftover packaging can still feel excessive. The good news is that retailers and manufacturers are already making changes, and with a few simple actions, consumers can help make Easter even more sustainable.

World Easter Egg

Packaging is improving ...

…and so can our choices

Brands have been responding to concerns about packaging waste. For example, some have reduced Easter packaging by over 20%, while others have cut plastic significantly or removed it entirely from millions of products. These changes are helping to reduce waste, improve recyclability, and even lower transport emissions.

As consumers, we can support these efforts by choosing products with less packaging and ensuring we recycle what we can.

Simple ways to have an eco-friendly Easter

Choose sustainable treats

Look for Easter eggs and chocolate that use less packaging or are made from sustainably sourced ingredients, such as Fairtrade or organic products. Shopping locally can also help reduce your carbon footprint.

Get creative with decorations

Instead of buying single-use plastic decorations, opt for reusable or handmade alternatives. You can create decorations using cardboard, paper, or other materials you already have at home.

Try a greener Easter egg hunt

Swap plastic or heavily packaged eggs for reusable options like wooden eggs, or even real eggs. You could also hide alternative treats such as seeds or small plants.

Reduce food waste

Plan your meals carefully to avoid overbuying. If you’re hosting family or friends, coordinate who brings what to prevent duplication. Save or freeze leftovers to enjoy later.

Compost and recycle

Don’t forget to compost eggshells or use them in your garden as a natural fertiliser. Check what packaging can be recycled in your area and dispose of it correctly.

Consumer power makes a difference

Retailers are making progress, but consumer choices still play a big role. By choosing products with less packaging and recycling correctly, we can all help reduce waste.

With more eco-friendly options available than ever before, it’s easier to enjoy Easter traditions while being mindful of the environment.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author, Shauna Coates, and do not necessarily reflect the views of recycle-more, Valpak Limited, or any other organisation.