Green Easter

Easter can be a time of year when we all sit on the sofa and consume our body weight in chocolate (much like Christmas!). We tend to do less exercise and end up with lots of excess packaging from all of those eggs. Our team have put our heads together and come up with some ways that you can be more green this Easter. 

1) Easter Egg Packaging

According to surveys, over the years people have demanded less packaging in Easter Eggs - there is nothing worse than being left with a mountain of waste after eating a tiny egg! Lots of the big companies have started to reduce their packaging so you should notice less this year, but make sure any packaging you do get goes in the recycling bin! 

If you are feeling particularly creative you could give more traditional gifts. Get creating paper mache eggs or hand paint your own? 

2) Organic & Fairtrade Eggs

If you are buying eggs, there are some great organic and fairtrade options out there. 

One of our particular favourites is the Divine Luxury Dark Chocolate Easter Egg £15 (Buy Here). This particular egg is also vegan-friendly! Green and Blacks do some great organic eggs as well. 

3) Easter Egg Hunts

We could all do with a little more exercise over the Easter break so why not do a good old fashioned Easter Egg hunt - trust me this isn't just for children!

Our green impact team ran an Easter egg hunt in and around the University, with all clues being hidden in green spaces round campus and all chocolate being fairtrade. We couldn't believe how competitive it got! Ask people to bring their own bags or baskets along - there is no need to buy fancy new ones!

We spent less than £20 on all the prizes and it took minimal organisation. We would definitely recommend doing one at home or at work. We had 5 teams of 5 people, and it meant that everyone got out of the office for an hour. 

4) Switch Off

 

So many of us forget to turn off our computers, printers & lights. With those extra two days holiday it is vital that we remember to switch off this Easter! 

We found it handy having a checklist of all of our electrical items next to the door - last person out is responsible for shutting everything off. Although everyone should turn off their own computers & other electrical items on their desks. 

5) Planting

Get out in the garden! As the weather gets better during April, Easter is the perfect time to get planting in the garden. You can grow your own fruit & veg or plant some flowers to attract bees and wildlife to your garden. 

Why not try something new? If you don't have a garden don't worry - check out local garden centres and parks looking for volunteers. 

6) Meat Free Monday

We all know that adopting a vegetarian or vegan diet just isn't possible for everyone or realistic. We applaud those who can stick to it...but so far we've struggled to last a week!

But if everyone reduced their meat intake by just 1 day a week  we would be far more sustainable. As a bonus, its also healthier, cheaper and quicker to make!

Our winning team from our Easter Egg Hunt!