Eco-Eggs to Dye for

When it comes time to dye Easter eggs, go green. Create brightly colored eggs by using natural ingredients from your fridge and pantry. Stay away from those egg-dyeing kits sold in craft stores and supermarkets—they contain coal tar and other petroleum-based products. Plus, studies have linked certain food dyes to health problems like allergies, chromosome damage, and cancer.

Yellow dye. Mix 2 teaspoons of ground turmeric powder with 2/3 cup of boiling water and one teaspoon of white vinegar. Let the mixture cool before coloring your Easter eggs.
Purple dye. A cup of frozen grape juice from concentrate and a teaspoon of vinegar creates a beautiful purple hue. Let the mixture sit overnight before dyeing.
Red dye. Use 4 tablespoons of freshly grated beets, 2/3 cup of boiling water, and 1 teaspoon of white vinegar for a vibrant red color. Mix the ingredients together and begin dunking eggs immediately.
Quick Tip: Make your egg-decorating party even more eco-friendly by using organic, free-range eggs and composting leftover materials when you’re done.

Adapted with permission from The Green Year: 365 Small Things You Can Do to Make a Big Difference by Jodi Helmer (Alpha Books, 2008)