Go green for Easter in 2009!

Easter is just around the corner, 12 days away to be exact. So much about this holiday, sadly, has become commercialized and mass produced... hardly eco-friendly. Consider forgetting shopping at big-box retailers this year and opt for the more environmentally responsible ways to create decorations and baskets of goodies for the kids. Here are some suggestions to have a more eco-friendly, natural take on this holiday:

Make Your Own Baskets. Get a basket from a local thrift store or search your garage or attic for one. Take paper that you have laying around your house that you would normally recycle and run it through a paper shredder. You can also use scissors if you don't have a shredder. Fill the baskets with little trinkets and toys, a stuffed animal, crayons and water colors, organic juice boxes, and healthier options like fruit leather.

Dye Eggs Using Natural Colors- Most people color their eggs with egg kits that contain dyes made from petrochemicals, but in times past eggs were colored with plant materials found in nature.

To dye eggs with natural coloring put raw, white-shelled eggs in a pan and cover with water and a teaspoon of white vinegar. Add your coloring agent and bring to a boil and then let the eggs simmer for 15 minutes. Rinse and allow to cool.

For pinkand red colored eggs use cranberry juice, beets, or raspberries.

For yellow eggs use saffron or turmeric.

For purple eggs use red wine.

For blue eggs use red cabbage leaves or blueberries.

For brown eggs use grape juice, rosehip tea, or coffee.

For orange eggs use yellow onion skins.

Finally, when if you choose to place chocolate goodies in your baskets, choose fair-trade treats if possible.

Happy Easter!!