As a university student myself, I can’t wait for Easter to get here sooner. If I have to be honest, it isn’t because of the festival itself, but majorly because of the 3-week holiday that comes along with it. For a lot of children in school however, this is the time for them to unleash their inner kid-like nature out into the world. From yearlong traditions to some chocolate bunnies to the extremely famous Easter Egg hunt, every city in the Western World especially, has their own way of celebrating this festival. Many like me, also use this time to go over some lectures right before exam season!
Here comes the most awaited plot twist. Like always, the drastic toll on the environment overshadows the joyous celebrations of Easter. The negative impact incurred by the world due to the production of Easter products in an environmentally unfriendly way is a great cause of concern. Do not fear! I am not going to let this spoil your Easter break. There are several ways to make Easter 2023 more sustainable:
- Reduce food waste: Easter is a time when people often prepare large meals, but it's important to only buy and prepare what you need. Plan your meals ahead of time and make a shopping list to avoid impulse purchases. If you do end up with leftovers, consider donating them to a local food bank or composting them instead of throwing them away.
- Choose sustainable decorations: Many Easter decorations are made of plastic and other non-biodegradable materials that end up in landfills. Instead, look for decorations made from natural materials such as wood, bamboo, or recycled materials. These items can be reused year after year, reducing waste and saving money in the long run.
- Purchase fair trade chocolate: Chocolate is a popular Easter treat, but many cocoa farms use child labor and environmentally damaging practices. Look for fair trade chocolate that supports ethical and sustainable production practices. This ensures that the people who grow and harvest the cocoa are paid fair wages and that the environment is not harmed in the process.
- Choose eco-friendly Easter baskets: Instead of buying plastic Easter baskets that will end up in the landfill, look for eco-friendly alternatives made from sustainable materials such as bamboo, wood, or recycled materials. These baskets can be reused year after year, reducing waste and saving money in the long run.
- Celebrate with experiences, not just things: Instead of focusing on buying more things for Easter, consider gifting experiences such as a nature walk, a picnic, or a visit to a local museum. These experiences create memories that last longer than material possessions and are often more sustainable. Plus, they get people out and enjoying nature, which is good for both physical and mental health.
So there you go, who said you can’t have an amazing holiday and follow all your longstanding traditions while keeping the Earth in mind. Celebrations do not need to come at the cost of global warming. This Easter, if you decide to go out of your way to do something supportive for the atmosphere, do not forget to share it here!