Over the past few years, excessive packaging around Easter eggs has come under scrutiny. The cute little mascot of the season, the Easter Bunny, has a lot to answer for. As we all become more aware of our plastic consumption, how can we reduce our plastic this Easter?
Avoid ‘flow-wrap’ and vacuum plastic
Try and avoid eggs that use ‘flow-wrap’ plastic, a type of non-recyclable film. It’s often used to package sweets inside the Easter eggs. The vacuum-form plastic that surrounds eggs to protect them should be avoided as it’s often not recyclable either. Instead, choose wisely and opt for eggs without any plastic. This year, all of Nestle’s Easter eggs carry a No Plastic logo because they’ve removed the plastic that protects the eggs with cardboard instead. They are now 100% recyclable.
Watch out for hidden plastic
It might look like easily recyclable cardboard or foil but check that it doesn’t have a plastic coating. You can try the ‘soak test’ or the ‘scrunch test’ to find out whether your card or foil is recyclable. Soak a piece of cardboard in water and see if a plastic layer starts to come away. With foil, if it stays scrunched, then it can go in your recycling. If it bounces back, it’s probably no recyclable and worth avoiding next time.
Make plastic-free choices over the Easter weekend
It’s not just Easter eggs that increase our plastic consumption over the Easter weekend. Plastic Easter baskets, faux grass, plastic toys and decorations can all be substituted for more environmentally friendly options. Choose wicker baskets for Easter egg hunts, and use paper, raffia and wood for decorations to reduce your plastic contributions.
For more ideas about a plastic-free Easter, visit Friends of the Earth.
Rabbit is committed to reducing waste and supporting recycling efforts. Contact Rabbit today for more information skip hire, recycling and plant hire. Reach us on 01903 762020 or email info@rabbitgroup.co.uk.
