Author Archive | Jennie Lyon

Spring is in the air, the daffodils are blooming (not up here in the mountains…yet, and Easter is just around the corner—which means it’s time for egg hunts, sweet treats, and pastel everything! But let’s be honest: the holiday can also come with a lot of waste—plastic grass, disposable baskets, candy wrappers, and decorations that get tossed after one use.

The good news? You can still have a beautiful, joyful Easter while keeping it eco-friendly. With just a few simple swaps, you can cut down on waste, support sustainable brands, and create memories that are as good for the planet as they are for your family. 🌎💚

Here are some of my favorite ideas for hosting an eco-conscious Easter celebration—fun, festive, and green in every way.

🌿 1. Choose Reusable Easter Baskets

Instead of buying cheap plastic baskets that fall apart after one use, opt for something sturdy and reusable that you can bring out year after year (or repurpose throughout the house).

✨ Eco-Friendly Basket Ideas:

• Woven baskets made from natural fibers like seagrass or bamboo
• Fabric-lined storage bins or canvas totes
• Small wooden crates (which can be reused for toy storage or decor)
• Recycled felt baskets—adorable and earth-friendly

You can even thrift baskets and paint or decorate them for a fun family craft!

🌱 2. Skip the Plastic Grass

We all know that neon plastic Easter grass is… not great for the planet (or your vacuum). Instead, fill baskets with:

• Shredded recycled paper or kraft paper
• Fabric scraps or scarves
• Colorful yarn remnants
• Or better yet—nothing at all if your goodies are pretty enough on their own!

🥚 3. Dye Easter Eggs Naturally

Forget the synthetic dye kits—natural egg dyeing is fun, non-toxic, and beautiful. Bonus: it’s a great hands-on activity for kids (and adults!).

🎨 Try These Natural Dyes:

• Red cabbage = blue
• Turmeric = yellow
• Beets = pink
• Onion skins = orange/rust
• Spinach = green

Boil your chosen veggie or spice in water with a splash of vinegar, then let the eggs soak to create soft, earthy tones.

🐣 4. Fill Their Baskets With Earth-Friendly Treats & Treasures

Skip the individually wrapped plastic-heavy candy and go for better-for-the-planet alternatives:

🍭 Better Easter Basket Fillers:

• Chocolate bunnies or eggs from fair trade or organic brands (look for foil-wrapped only!)
• Homemade cookies in beeswax wraps
• Wooden toys or handmade plush animals
• DIY play dough in reusable jars
• Flower seed packets or mini garden kits
• Books or puzzles from local or indie shops (or the thrift store – my favorite!)
• A cute reusable snack bag filled with trail mix or dried fruit

You can also make homemade coupons for things like a nature walk, picnic, or movie night—memories over material things!

🐇 5. Host a Low-Waste Egg Hunt

Ditch the plastic eggs and use reusable alternatives instead:

🥚 Sustainable Egg Hunt Options:

• Fillable wooden eggs (paint them yourself!)
• Fabric or felt eggs
• Reuse last year’s plastic ones and commit to using them year after year (I’ve been using the same eggs that I purchased when Eben was little, he’s 24!)
• Hide real dyed eggs for a fun traditional twist (just remember to find them all!)

For extra fun, hide small nature treasures or write clues for a scavenger hunt. You can even turn it into a learning moment with a “nature egg hunt”—hide leaves, stones, or eco-themed prompts in your yard or local park.

🧺 6. Celebrate With a Sustainable Easter Brunch

We always celebrate Easter with brunch. Here are some fun ways we keep our Easter meal simple, seasonal, and earth-friendly. I hope they work for you, too.

🥕 Visit your local farmers’ market for fresh produce and pasture-raised eggs
🍓 Choose recipes with minimal packaging and compost your scraps
🥗 Serve on reusable dishware (skip the disposables!)
🕯 Decorate with fresh flowers, potted herbs, or hand-dyed cloth napkins

A backyard picnic or patio brunch with local food, sunshine, and fresh air? Yes, please.

🌸 7. Give Back With a Spring Clean & Donate Tradition

Easter is a season of renewal—why not use it as a chance to give gently-used toys, clothes, or books a second life?

Start a family tradition of spring cleaning with purpose and donating to local shelters or charities. It’s a great way to teach kids about generosity and sustainability.

🌼 A Greener Easter Is a More Meaningful One

The beauty of these ideas is that they don’t take away from the fun—they add to it. Making thoughtful choices and simplifying your traditions not only helps the planet, it creates space for slower, more intentional moments—and those are the ones that stick.

So this Easter, swap the plastic for something more sustainable. Keep the joy, lose the waste—and celebrate a holiday that’s good for your family and the earth.

💬 Have your own eco-friendly Easter tradition? I’d love to hear it—share it in the comments or tag me in your photos!