There is a significant spike in waste production during the Easter weekend due to increased consumption of packaging, wrappers, chocolate and other food stuffs for family get togethers. This waste often ends up in landfills where it releases harmful chemicals and greenhouse gases as it breaks down in the environment.  Amidst the festivities, it’s easy for all this waste to go overlooked as we rush through the celebrations. However, it’s important to rethink our holiday habits and take the time to sort through waste to reduce environmental impact.  There are plenty of ways to make your celebrations less harmful to the planet. Below are some ways to reduce waste and recycle common Easter-related items responsibly:  

1. Refuse waste from the start 

One helpful way to refuse waste is to remember the “waste hierarchy” and avoid buying commercial decorations or excessive packaging from the outset. Instead, consider making your own Easter baskets, chocolate eggs, and hot cross buns.  

2. Avoid single-use plastic 

When baking hot cross buns, avoid the plastic bags they usually come in or if purchasing them from a bakery, bring your own container or ask for a paper bag that can be composted or recycled at home. The same goes with decorative items and party supplies that come in plastic packaging.   

3. Avoid fancy packaging and unnecessary food waste

Fancy packaging often costs more and contributes to unnecessary waste. When purchasing Easter chocolates and other festive foods, try to reduce the amount of packaging where possible. Planning meals in advance can also help reduce food waste. Getting portion sizes right, choosing items with fewer packaging and incorporating reusables are some simple ways to avoid waste.  

4. Reuse items at home 

Giving items you already have at home a second life instead of buying new is a great way to reduce waste at this time of year. Look for products and packaging made from recycled materials or buy second-hand decorations from charity shops. Opting for reusable alternatives like cloth bags or wooden eggs instead of disposable, single-use items can significantly reduce your footprint while reducing the need to create new products that require consumption of natural resources and result in greenhouse gas emissions.   

5. Repurpose and get creative 

Instead of tossing out leftover packaging, try repurposing it. Old boxes, containers, gift wraps or fruit punnets can be used to package gifts, Easter eggs and homemade treats. Chip bags or other similar packaging can be cleaned, turned inside out and reused to wrap items. If buying chocolate eggs, try to purchase larger eggs with less packaging and avoid individually wrapped smaller ones.  

6. Recycle Easter waste right 

The aluminium foil from Easter eggs is a precious resource that can be recycled infinitely and should be scrunched into a ball about the size of a golf ball before chucking into the recycling bin. If the foil is too dirty from chocolate, a light clean will do the trick. You can also place smaller pieces of foil into an aluminium can to prevent them from being lost during the recycling process.  

7. Recycle cardboard and food scraps 

Cardboard boxes from egg packaging can be recycled in the yellow bin after flattening them first to save space. For food scraps from preparing Easter meals, toss them into your FOGO bin if you have one or compost them at home.  By practising these steps in your household and encouraging others to do the same this Easter, you can enjoy a more sustainable, low-waste celebration with your loved ones. Happy Easter and happy recycling!