It’s that time of year again when the weather is starting to turn, there are hot cross buns on the supermarket shelves and Easter eggs as far as the eye can see. The kids are getting excited about the Easter Bunny arriving and we get swept up in the busyness of the holidays… It's easy to forget that each decision we make has a potential effect on our beautiful planet.
We’ve pulled together some easy swaps and environmentally-friendly things you can do this Easter holiday that the earth will thank you for.
How can Easter celebrations be more sustainable?
What springs to mind when you think of Easter? Chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate?
Carefully considering the source of our chocolate over Easter is one of the best ways to make ethical and more eco-friendly decisions at this time of year. Approximately 70% of the cocoa consumed by Australians originates in West Africa. It’s estimated around 2 million labourers in this region are under the age of 18, many of whom work in unfair conditions.
What’s more, cocoa farming contributes to deforestation and the use of conventional farming practices which strip the earth of its nutrients and gradually deteriorate the productivity of the soil and farming environment. Deforestation is also contributing to climate change. As consumers, choosing ethical and sustainable cocoa products helps to steer the industry in a more climate-friendly direction by increasing demand for these products.
On the topic of chocolate and Easter eggs, the packaging they come in might be colourful and delightful, but it’s also a form of waste. Carefully considering this waste before buying, or at least in its disposal, is a great way to make Easter more sustainable.
In addition to Easter eggs, meal preparation and cooking are areas in which we can make more sustainable choices. Production of food is a major contributor of climate change, through emissions of carbon dioxide, methane and other greenhouse gases. Thankfully there are some simple ways to negate these effects.
Let’s explore some practical ways to make positive change!
How to make environmentally conscious decisions at Easter
We’ve gathered a few easy ways to make your Easter more earth-friendly this year.
Chocolate
While it’s uncomfortable to think about the unfair labour conditions and detrimental environmental practices in the cocoa industry, the switch to more sustainable products is becoming easier. Thankfully the number of brands becoming certified as ‘fair trade’ is increasing. Look for brands certified by Rainforest Alliance (the frog), FairTrade, or Cocoa Horizons. These organisations focus on fair conditions for farmers and labourers, in addition to prioritising the environment.
When it comes to Easter egg wrapping, be sure to recycle the foil! Simply scrunch it all up into one ball and toss it into your recycling bin! That way the sorting facility is more likely to catch and recycle it.
Easter Gifts
To reduce your environmental footprint, consider how you might make more sustainable choices for gifting.
If chocolate isn’t really your thing (or you’d prefer not to deal with the packaging) giving vouchers for experiences can be a great alternative. It can also be a great way to support small local businesses. If your loved one is a reader, a new book is another great gift idea.
Consider the miles contributed by gifts too, and try to buy gifts from local producers or providers. You might also find this is a way to discover unique, handmade gifts for your loved ones.
Another really powerful way to use your buying power positively is to support brands that prioritise sustainability. Consider the values of the company you’re buying from, and support those whose vision aligns with yours.
And if you’re impacted by cost of living pressure or simply want to cut back on spending this year, consider reducing the number or value of the gifts you purchase this Easter. It may sound cliche, but time spent with family and friends is the best gift you can give.
Cooking and Eating
You may be planning to share meals with loved ones over the holidays, and this is another way to make environmentally friendly decisions. You can reduce food waste and shop seasonally by planning ahead and shopping only for what you need. Similar to gifts, you might also select local producers to support, to reduce the food miles of your meals.
When the meal is complete, store and plan how to use leftovers. You can also get creative with kitchen scraps, either using them in creative recipes such as soups or broths , or composting them for the fertility of your soil!
At Plico, one of our biggest drivers is addressing climate change and reducing the demands placed on our beautiful planet. That’s why we provide resources like this one, knowing many of our readers and members have similar values. If you’d like to learn how to increase the value of your home while reducing your environmental impact, you may like to read this recent article.
If you’d like to find out more about installing your own solar + battery solution and being part of the Plico community, talk to the friendly team. Not only will you be reducing your carbon footprint and making a positive impact on climate change, but you'll also be able to access power during night times, blackouts and outages, while also saving on your energy bills!
Book your obligation-free call today. You can view our different solar + battery systems by clicking here or calculate your projected savings with our Solar Savings Calculator. You can also get in touch with one of our switched-on team members by calling 1300 175 426 to see how a solar + battery system can help you save.
