Options for a Sustainable Easter

First off, forgive me for not mentioning Passover or other traditional spring holiday feasts. But a quick bit of Googling does demonstrate that those of Jewish faith have spent more time considering sustainable seders than their Christian cohorts.

I'll start with the obvious: Eggs. It turns out there are differing opinions on whether free range or cage-free eggs are more sustainable or humane. The World Society for the Protection of Animals has made it easier with a list of certified humane eggs — some organic, some cage-free. If you want to take it to the next level and free yourself from the hazards of toxic egg dyes, you can use food scraps and spices to create natural egg dyes.

Of course, it wouldn't be Easter without my favorite vice: chocolate! (Is this a purely American phenomenon? I honestly can't think of a single holiday that doesn't include chocolate.) At least there's a little good news on this front: An eight year study in Germany found that small amounts of chocolate consumed daily reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. On the bunny front, Vosges Haut chocolate has some solidly sustainable options: how can you say no to organic chocolate that's packaged sustainably and made using renewable energy. Plus, their bunnies are adorably flop-eared.

And finally, a shout out to my people. Eastern Orthodox, or Greek Easter falls on the same Sunday as... um, regular Easter? this year. I won't condone the use of lamb (sorry mom), but it's easy to make a great Avgolemono with organic lemons and free-range chicken. Bright red eggs and tsoureki, a sweet bread, are also staples of Greek Easter. Traditionally, the celebration involves "egg fights" in which each person holds one of the red eggs. One person then smashes their egg into the other, and whichever egg doesn't crack wins and moves on to the next challenger. The person with the longest lasting egg supposedly receives good health in the coming year. Although one year, my uncle painted an egg-shaped rock red and made a mockery of all us kids. Kalo Pascha! (Happy Easter)

Photo via imagesfrombulgaria.com