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5 Top Tips for an Eco-Friendly Easter
Easter Sunday is a time of celebration—a day to embrace joy, indulge a little, and welcome the arrival of spring. It's a season filled with colour, creativity, and connection with loved ones. But while you're enjoying the holiday, why not make it a little greener? Here are our top tips for a sustainable Easter—simple ways to celebrate with heart, without harming the planet.
Planning to decorate? Choose options that are easy on both the planet and your pocket. Ireland is unfortunately among the top producers of plastic waste in the EU—but the good news is, we can change that. Skip the plastic eggs and opt for wooden, felt, or homemade decorations. Even better, use real eggs for Easter egg hunts or crafts—just like the old days! You can create charming Easter baskets using paper shopping bags, recycled materials, or second-hand finds from local charity shops.
For egg dyeing, natural is best. Use ingredients from your kitchen like beetroot, turmeric, or red cabbage to create beautiful, rustic tones. Bring the outdoors in by decorating with dried leaves, wool, shredded paper, or fabric offcuts. And when it comes to the eggs you eat—organic, free-range is always the kinder choice.
Over-packaging is a big issue in Ireland, especially around holidays. Easter eggs, gift boxes, and seasonal treats are often wrapped in layers of plastic and cardboard. Instead of buying heavily packaged products, look for Easter eggs with minimal or recyclable wrapping—or skip the store-bought options altogether and make your own chocolate treats at home. A homemade dessert or a few thoughtfully wrapped goodies can be just as special.
Chocolate is a big part of Easter, so make your sweet treats meaningful. Choose Fairtrade-certified chocolate—it ensures fair wages and working conditions for farmers and supports more sustainable farming practices. Luckily, many shops across Ireland now stock Fairtrade options that are delicious and affordable. From local supermarkets to health food stores, it’s easier than ever to make an ethical choice.
Easter in Ireland is often a time for big family dinners and plenty of good food—but that doesn’t have to mean waste. Plan your meals carefully so you’re only buying what you’ll use. Leftovers can be turned into tasty dishes like bubble and squeak, soups, or a proper sandwich with roast meat and stuffing. If you find yourself with extra, consider sharing with neighbours or dropping it to a local community fridge. And don’t forget—veg peelings and food scraps can go straight into the compost bin. A bit of thought goes a long way in keeping Easter both delicious and waste-free.
Finally, don’t forget to enjoy the magic of the season. Easter and spring go hand-in-hand, and there’s no better time to reconnect with nature. Take a walk and watch for signs of life—migratory birds like the Chiffchaff returning, nests being built, and wildflowers blooming in hedgerows and woodlands. Keep an eye out for primroses, cowslips, wood anemones, lesser celandine, and dandelions. Encourage children to connect with nature by exploring the changing season—let them experience the colours, scents, and sounds of spring up close.