Chocolate, friends, family and fun. There are plenty of reasons to get excited about Easter - did I mention chocolate? - and team Ethique has been counting down since March. Plans may have changed, and celebrations could be virtual but let’s not let that stop us. Whether you mark the dates for their religious significance or just for the chocolates (ahem, like me), we can make it a holiday to remember and treat our planet with kindness while we’re at it. Here are our top tips: Chocolate – ethical AND sustainable? Okay. It leaves a bitter taste in our mouths, but we can’t ignore the fact that chocolate – the item that tops so many of our Easter-agendas - could be supporting unethical and unsustainable practices from some of the world’s largest multinational corporations. Worth more than $100 billion, at least 70% of the cocoa butter industry’s annual turnover goes directly to enormous European chocolate suppliers. The farmers and producers on the other hand? Their cut is less than 2%. When you add deforestation, child trafficking, slavery and plastic packaging to this story, it doesn’t make for a pleasant read. However! Change is happening and there are awesome chocolate producers proving that delicious treats don’t have to harm people or the planet. Here are some of our favourites: TradeAid The name says it all! Seriously committed to partnering with farmers and focused on environmental protection, this is a social enterprise doing an excellent job. Wellington Chocolate Factory Passionate advocates for ethically sourced and traded chocolate, this Fairtrade certified company works with producers directly. Delish chocolate too. Bennetto Like all good things, most of their products are made in Christchurch! A bar’s journey starts with a Fairtrade cooperative in Peru that champions social and environmental causes close to our hearts. Honest Chocolat More proof that chocolate can be New Zealand made, award-winning, ethical and delicious. The beans in these bars are carefully sourced from farmers who share their commitment to sustainability. Miann Chocolate Factory This bean to bar chocolaterie is another producer crafting small batches of the good stuff right here in New Zealand. Close relationships with sustainability-focused farmers means they get a big ‘tick’ in the ethical checkbox too. If you’re reading this list and asking – ‘but where are the eggs?’ We hear you. We sorely need a Fairtrade or direct trading company to branch out into Easter eggs. In the meantime, snap up some bars or blocks for your loved ones instead. Homemade Goodies. We might not be venturing too far outdoors right now, but the good news is that we can always take to the kitchen. The great news? Easter treats are some of the best treats! Hot Cross BunsThe humble hot cross bun is a classic for a reason. They’re not tricky but they do take a bit of time which makes them the perfect project for your Easter hibernation. Plus, once baking in the oven they’ll fill your iso-bubble with scents of cinnamon, spices and warm bread. What’s not to love?The not-so-humble Hot Cross BunThink beyond the traditional bun and get creative. Add some orange zest, your favourite tea, different dried fruits or – my personal choice – some chocolate! Tis’ the season after all…Edible Chocolate Body MousseTreat yourself while treating your skin with our recipe for edible chocolate body mousse which you can find here (link to blog). Think of this activity as your ticket to double-duty celebrations – we whipped up a batch in honour of DIY day and you can bet we’re headed for round two over the Easter break. Sick of chocolate yet? Excuse us for the silly question – of course not! Then keep scrolling through that blog for more skin-loving recipes. Think chocolate masks, foams and scrubs… you’re welcome. Adventure and Activities I don’t know about you, but I like a little liveliness interspersed with my chocolatey indulgences. Staying at home doesn’t change that and there’s plenty of joy to be had. Just get your thinking cap – or bunny ears – on and imagine all the ways ‘keeping it local’ can keep things fun. Easter Egg HuntMuch-loved by kids and adults (you’re never too old!), this is an Easter essential. Send any friends and loved ones in your bubble to the other side of the house – with strict instructions to stay there! – and get crafty. Hide chocolates, treats and other goodies inside and in the garden too. Then, set them loose. Remember, the harder the hunt, the more rewarding it is so don’t go easy on them! The Ultimate Easter Egg HuntUp the stakes with clues, treasure maps and a prize for the champion. Easter GamesThe chocolate has been found but don’t leave the garden just yet – it’s time for games. An ‘egg and spoon race’ is a childhood classic that can be given an Easter-themed twist. Just swap the eggs for chocolate and you’re ready to race. Another goodie? The Easter Bunny hop. Set up both a start and finish line, then take turns jumping like a rabbit while holding a stuffed toy between your knees. Time each player with the quickest crowned champion. (Trust us, this one is harder than it sounds). Easter CraftsEasy, inexpensive and entertaining. What’s not to like about arts and crafts? Put an Easter spin on your DIY endeavours by transforming chocolate wrappers into a collage, decorating your mason jars (ideal for storing treats) or turn old cardboard into an Easter bunny party hat with a handy online tutorial – thanks YouTube! Easter MoviesWhether you’re worn out from work, an intense egg hunt or are feeling the effects from one chocolate bar too many (no judgement) – we think a movie or two deserves a place amongst the festivities. Especially if it’s one about Easter. Now, we’re not sticklers. If it’s related to bunnies, eggs, chocolate – you get the picture – then it fits the bill. Our top picks? The House Bunny, Peter Rabbit and Willy Wonka. Ease into Easter Before this blog, it’s safe to say that I was excited about Easter. Chocolate, an occasion to mark with the special people in my life, chocolate – there was a lot to look forward to. However! Now that I’ve set the scene for the holiday, I really can’t wait. I hope one or two of these pointers brings you some joy this Easter. Things might be a little different, a bit strange or even difficult at times - so ease into Easter. Take the pressure off, take care of yourself and your loved ones as best you can and do something to celebrate in whatever way you can. Wishing you a very happy Easter from everyone at team Ethique!