Dear Recyclebank,
I’m putting together an Easter basket for my 6- and 8-year-olds. How can I make it green?
-Katie G., Jacksonville, FL
Dear Katie,
Putting together an eco-friendly Easter basket requires a little extra effort, but results in a personalized creation that can be more meaningful while reducing waste. We’ve got a few ideas, beginning with the basket — which doesn’t even have to be a basket.
You can use repurpose many different kinds of containers on hand. A cardboard box, mixing bowl, flower pot, and more can be dressed up and recycled or returned to their original use after the holiday. The grocery store or farmers’ market is another place that can supply actual baskets: peaches sometimes come in wooden baskets that need little work to be Easter-ready. Upcycle green plastic strawberry baskets by weaving paper or fabric through them. You can also weave a brown paper grocery bag into a beautiful basket that is also recyclable. If you’re just not that crafty, check your local thrift store for baskets from Easters past. You can even donate it again after you’ve used it.
Once you’ve found the container, fill it with homemade treats like marshmallows or carrot cupcakes. You can control what kind of ingredients go in them and they can produce less waste. Try skipping the plastic wrap and use reusable containers instead.
Still have room in the basket? Skip the plastic grass and get creative with filler material. First, take up volume by putting an old T-shirt or balled-up scrap paper at the bottom. This will reduce the amount of filler material needed. Use shredded magazine pages or tissue paper saved from Valentine’s Day or Christmas presents. Fabric, from a tablecloth or scarf, will also work.
