By the Care2 Staff

Here comes Peter Cottontail, hopping down the bunny trail. And what does he find? Plastic eggs and fake grass and Easter candy that bears absolutely no resemblance to any taste found in nature. Oh no!

So what’s a greenie to do when hippity, hoppity, Easter’s on its way? Check out this guide to a healthy and green Easter, including all-natural egg dyes and instructions on growing your own grass, plus recipes for some fabulous springtime dishes and desserts sure to satisfy Peter Cottontail’s sweet tooth without sending him straight to the dentist.

Although commercially available Easter egg dyes are made from “food-grade quality” ingredients, given the choice wouldn’t you prefer to color eggs with natural ingredients rather than synthetic coloring? Read on to learn about the creepy (and crawly!) ingredients in federally approved food dyes, and how to make a rainbow of Easter egg colors from common kitchen ingredients. Homemade Natural Easter Egg Dyes

I don’t even want to talk about what that bright green, fake plastic grass has got in it. Suffice to say, wouldn’t a basket with lovely and natural grass be so much nicer? Sprout an Easter Basket

Speaking of eggs, a great activity for celebrating the impending arrival of spring is to make use these tiny pots as seed starters. So practical! Sprout Seeds in an Eggshell

When it comes to flowers, you can never have too many. Just make sure they aren’t the kind grown with pesticides, which are harmful to the Earth. Why Organic Flowers?

Having company or just feel like cooking up something nice to welcome spring? Try one of these delicious recipes:

• 2 Festive Spring Appetizers
• 2 Festive Spring Appetizers
• South American Easter Salad
• Asparagus with Hard-Boiled Egg
• Velvety Asparagus Soup
• Savory Spring Crepes
• Savory Egg and Greens Pot Pies

And for dessert:

• Classic Creamy Cheesecake
• Sunny Springtime Lemon Tartlets