Stay Green this Easter

A strange thing happens to us around major commercial holidays. Whether it's the excitement, the tradition, or simply the stress of the thing, even the greenest of us can be guilty of relegating the planet to the back of our minds in the heat of the holiday moment.

Things like individually-wrapped candies don't seem so environmentally unfriendly on a day like Halloween. Boxes full of paper waste seem almost festive around birthdays, Christmas, and other days of frenzied gift-giving. Whatever your personal background, you can probably find an example of rampant holiday waste in your life. This weekend, millions of people around the world celebrate Easter and I'm talking about commercial Easter, here, not so much the religious holiday so today's Green Tip is dedicated to staying environmental during the time of chocolate bunnies.

Don't compromise your green ideals just because it's Easter. Now is the time to be especially aware of where your money goes leading up to the holiday, and what goes into your garbage at the end.

Everyone celebrates with different traditions; here are just a few things to keep in mind:

If you're giving gifts: Reuse wrapping paper, or use newspaper or magazines. If you're buying wrapping paper, look for 100% post-consumer recycled products.

If you're giving chocolate: Be sure to avoid over-packaged products. A whole lot of corporate money not to mention a whole lot of plastic and cardboard goes into attracting your eye this weekend. Reward the companies who think differently. Buy organic fairtrade chocolate. It might not be dyed purple, or in the shape of an egg, but odds are it tastes a whole lot better.

If you're giving rabbits: Give chocolate rabbits. A rabbit is for life, not for Easter, to paraphrase the bumper sticker. Seriously, friends. A pet is a great way to introduce a child to the beauty of the planet, but don't confuse your children with an image that's being over-commodified this weekend. Wait a month or two.

And even if you're not celebrating Easter, chances are you're enjoying a long weekend. If you're traveling, travel green.

Comments? Questions? Feedback? Got an idea for a Daily Green Tip?