Easter is a time of celebration, religion, family and… eggs.

Around the world, this holiday is celebrated in many different ways; with hard-boiled eggs, decorated eggs, egg knocking and egg-related games (a lot of eggs, I know). Although it seems like a total egg overload, many countries across the globe actually don’t have this symbol of celebration ⏤ but for us, that’s not the case. Our Easter celebration is completely consumed by chocolate… Yes, chocolate eggs.

It’s a lovely holiday for those with religious beliefs, and also for those who have a deep love of this addictive sweet. And although it brings a lot of joy to all who participate, it also brings just as much damage to our poor environment.

For those who are still interested in wallowing in delicious, rich chocolate, here are a few things you can do to ensure you enjoy your indulgent weekend whilst being a part of a sustainable Easter. Win-win!

Buy Palm Oil Free

Palm Oil is the largest threat to many of our endangered species and their habitats across Asia. It’s unfortunately no lie, that Easter is a large contributor to their demise.

Around 50% of all products on supermarket shelves contain Palm Oil, or Palm Oil derived ingredients, and those tasty Chocolate eggs are certainly no compromise.

It’s so incredibly important to be knowledgeable when purchasing your Easter goodies, as they could be a huge contribution to our wildlife’s extinction. Thankfully this is entirely avoidable with a little investigation. Here is a list of Palm Oil Free Easter Eggs to help you choose your chocolate intake wisely:

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Buy Easter Eggs with Less Packaging

As I’ve already said, the Easter period is a time of year in which many indulge in extreme amounts of delicious chocolate eggs and yummy Easter treats. Although what you may not know, is that this holiday also leaves our environment with over 8000 tonnes of extremely unnecessary waste.

The chocolate wrapping is solely enough damage (especially when there are over 80 million chocolate eggs sold every year in the UK alone) but the other excess packaging that is placed on these eggs really pushes this holiday to the verge of extreme destruction.

Unfortunately, most of the plastic that is placed on these chocolate eggs doesn’t get disposed of correctly, meaning that the environment really does suffer.

In order to reduce your impact, look for chocolate that is produced with less packaging. Scrap those that are in boxes, with plastic holders and small toys ⏤ they are completely unnecessary. After all, it’s just about the creamy chocolate, right?

Dispose Correctly

All aluminium wrappings are entirely recyclable if done so correctly.

Instead of throwing your rubbish straight into the bin, accumulate all of your wrappers and scrunch them into a big ball before placing them in the Recycling bin.

Small individual pieces that get disposed of will sadly get lost in the recycling process and stay in our environment forever. No joke.

If you happen to purchase or receive an egg that comes with excess packaging, please ensure it is disposed of correctly. Recycle the parts that are recyclable, and dispose of those that aren’t. It’s easy! Yes, it may be a little more hassle, but our Earth will surely thank you.

Make your Own Treats

For those who like to really get a chocolate fix at Easter, yummy Chocolate treats may be an option for you. Instead of purchasing more damaging, wasteful and excessive options, why not make them yourself?

You’ll have complete control over your ingredients, buy into far less harmful packaging and have a happy, sustainable Easter. Another win-win!

Donate

During a time of year when we consume a lot of unneeded treats, giving back to those who are without access to basic food, health care or safety could make a world of difference to a struggling life.

Here are some of my favourite charities to donate to during the Easter holiday:

Good Friday Appeal
Raising funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne – those who are in need of help and deserve a second chance at life.

Food Bank
Supplying food to disadvantaged families across Australia.

Asylum Seeker Resource Centre
Donate money, food or goods to the centre in order to help Asylum Seekers improve their social, physical and mental wellbeing.

No matter whether you support one of these or a favourable charity of your own, donating at a time of year that is often consumed with privilege is never something to take for granted.

Recognise Others Beliefs

Although Easter is celebrated by people with certain religious beliefs, being open-minded to other faiths is incredibly important. After all, a large percentage of the population celebrates Easter as a non-religious holiday ⏤ rather as a time to indulge in excessive amounts of chocolate.

As I’ve said numerous times, I am non-religious, but I still ‘celebrate’ Easter. So everyone else can too right? There’s really no need for unnecessary discrimination.

Have a happy Easter!

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