Easy Eco-friendly swaps you should consider this Easter holiday
The sun is finally shining, and with spring the flowers are in bloom, with all major chain supermarkets stocked with eggs and chocolate, it can only mean one thing: Easter is on its way. As yet another indulgent holiday dawns, the team at Clean U Skincare know that the holidays can be difficult for those looking out for the environment, and we want to do our best to make it easier for you.
We’ve put together a list of eco-friendly swaps you might want to consider making this Easter. From the presents you give to the food you eat, here’s how you can continue to have a positive impact, even over Easter this year.
So, what is Easter all about?
The ultra-commercial, consumerist Easter we’re familiar with isn’t all sunshine, bunnies, and rainbows. Despite its religious roots and spring celebrations, the reality of modern-day Easter celebrations isn’t quite so holy and joyful.
Whilst everyone celebrates Easter differently, and there are ways to celebrate Easter sustainably (which we’ll be sharing in this post), most families aren’t aware of just how damaging this Chocolate-loving holiday can be.
So, here’s an insight into the impact of Easter:
Chocolate manufacturing
Our team would be the first to confess their chocolate addiction. A sweet tooth can sometimes be an identifier, so substantial it shows no signs of being removed with any will or reason. But Easter promotes excessive chocolate consumption, often from irresponsible brands. Large chocolate manufacturers are rarely concerned about the pending deforestation, pollution, and soil erosion caused by mass chocolate production and packaging.
Plastic pollution
Whether it’s the wrappers your chocolate comes in or easter-themed toys, we all know plastic waste is prominent during the Easter period. Much of this plastic is non-recyclable or requires immense energy to recycle and repurpose. So, try to pick recycled, recyclable, non-dyed and plastic free packaging where possible.
Increased meat & dairy consumption
Easter lunches usually include animal produce. Meat and dairy farming is known for producing high quantities of pollution and influencing climate change.
So what can we do about it?
Easter is no more environmentally damaging than other holidays, and no amount of delicious chocolates could ever change that. However, at Clean U, we believe there are always ways we can minimise our carbon footprint and still enjoy modern celebrations. Here are our suggestions for making Eco-friendly swaps this Easter:
Swap your shop-bought daffodils or tulips for a houseplant
Daffodils and tulips are synonymous with spring. These brightly coloured flowers are consumers' first choice for Easter displays and kitchen vases.
However, shop-bought bouquets come at a cost for the planet. Supermarket chains purchase spring florals in bulk and transport them to the UK for you to buy. The growing conditions, transportation, and plastic wrap of these flowers contribute to plastic pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. And it often results in low-quality, short-lived florals for you!
We recommend visiting a local, home-grown florist or garden centre to pick fresh flowers or swap for a houseplant.
Want to go one step further? Why not purchase a purifying plant that removes toxins and pollution from the air. Having fresh foliage in the home will give you those spring feelings without the negative environmental impact.
Switch to organic, slavery free chocolate or ditch the chocolate all together.
If you can bear to part with your favourite sugary snack, this one's for you.
There are ways to keep enjoying chocolate without sacrificing the good of the planet and its people. Swap to organic, slavery free chocolate with reputable suppliers who are transparent about their manufacturing.
Organic chocolate companies work hard to produce high-quality chocolate and protect the people who make it. You might pay slightly more, but the chocolate you eat won’t be grown in toxic conditions, provides a fair wage, and avoids deforestation and soil erosion.
It tastes good, but remember, you don’t need to overdo it. Chocolate will still be available after the Easter holiday!
And if your family traditionally eats meat on Easter, why not suggest you all switch to nut roast or tofu and see how it goes down? Shop outside the supermarket at greengrocers and farmers' markets for organic fruits and vegetables for the meal. And pre-plan all your meals so you know exactly what ingredients you need, and you’re not at risk of over-purchasing and producing unnecessary food waste.
Give purposeful presents
If you want to treat your loved ones to delicious chocolates and sweets this Easter, don’t forget, for many, Easter is a religious holiday celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We understand that gifting is one of life’s greatest pleasures but please advocate purposeful gifting without adding pressure on others to return the gesture.
Instead of going all-out on the chocolate selection this year, why not give a purposeful gift that your loved one can enjoy for longer than a few nights in front of the television?
Here are a few eco-friendly gift ideas to give your friends and family:
- Food experiences
- Take a Trip away
- Their favourite products