Easter is a cherished spring celebration, symbolising renewal and togetherness. However, behind the pastel packaging and seasonal treats lies a significant environmental toll. From unsustainable chocolate production to plastic-heavy consumerism, our festive habits can inadvertently harm the very planet we celebrate. This article explores the effects easter has on our natural environment each year and how to celebrate sustainability promoting nature friendly chocolate brands.
Easter in the UK is marked by a surge in consumerism. In 2023 alone, Britons spent over £415 million on Easter treats and gifts, with the majority directed towards chocolate eggs. These eggs, often over-packaged and mass-produced, contribute heavily to waste and carbon emissions. According to a 2020 Which? report, packaging can account for up to 36% of an Easter egg's total weight, much of it being non-recyclable plastic and foil.
The global chocolate industry is a key driver of environmental degradation. Producing just one chocolate bar can require 1,700 litres of water, mostly for growing cocoa and sugarcane. Cocoa cultivation also drives tropical deforestation, particularly in West Africa where 70% of the world’s cocoa originates.
Deforestation remains one of the most pressing consequences of conventional cocoa farming. Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, which together produce over 60% of the world's cocoa, have seen catastrophic losses in tree cover—over 90% and 80% respectively since 1950. These losses are largely linked to the expansion of cocoa plantations, often at the expense of protected rainforest areas. Alarmingly, up to 60% of the deforestation in protected zones in West Africa is now associated with illegal cocoa cultivation. This rampant forest clearance not only releases vast amounts of carbon dioxide but also strips the planet of its natural climate buffers.
Biodiversity loss is another grave concern arising from this deforestation. Tropical forests are among the richest ecosystems on Earth, harbouring thousands of unique plant and animal species. As cocoa plantations encroach on these habitats, wildlife is displaced or wiped out entirely. A report by Mighty Earth revealed that cocoa-driven deforestation has occurred in 23 protected areas in Côte d’Ivoire alone. Species such as chimpanzees, pygmy hippos, and forest elephants—already under threat—are losing their homes at an accelerating pace, contributing to a cascading loss in global biodiversity.
Unsustainable farming practices exacerbate these issues. Most mainstream cocoa farming relies on monocultures, where the same crop is planted repeatedly across vast areas. This practice depletes the soil of essential nutrients, making it less fertile over time. As fertility declines, farmers often resort to synthetic fertilisers and pesticides to maintain yields, which pollute waterways and further degrade local ecosystems. Additionally, monocultures make cocoa plants more vulnerable to pests and diseases, increasing reliance on chemical controls and reducing overall resilience to climate change. Without intervention, these practices risk creating a feedback loop of environmental harm and declining agricultural viability.
Choosing eco-conscious chocolate brands is a simple yet powerful way to make your Easter celebration more sustainable. Below are five top brands that lead the way in environmental responsibility and ethical sourcing.
Tony's Chocolonely is a Dutch-founded brand that has become a frontrunner in ethical chocolate production. Its mission is to make all chocolate 100% slave-free, with full traceability from bean to bar. Tony’s partners directly with cocoa farmers in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, paying a higher price to support fair wages and improve livelihoods. Their chocolate is wrapped in recyclable paper-based packaging, and the company follows a climate-neutral roadmap.
Divine Chocolate is unique in that 45% of the company is owned by Kuapa Kokoo, a cooperative of Ghanaian cocoa farmers. This structure empowers producers and ensures ethical trading. Divine is committed to using Fairtrade ingredients, avoiding palm oil, and supporting women in cocoa communities. Their packaging is designed to be recyclable, and their chocolate is produced in a socially and environmentally responsible way.
Montezuma's Chocolates is a British brand that stands out for its commitment to organic ingredients and zero-waste packaging. The company is B Corp certified and has pioneered plastic-free packaging across its range. Montezuma’s also operates a carbon-conscious distribution model, reducing emissions across its supply chain. Their products are made in the UK, which helps reduce transport emissions and support local economies.
Seed and Bean prides itself on producing handmade, small-batch chocolate in England. They use ethically sourced and Fairtrade-certified ingredients, and their packaging includes 100% compostable inner foil, an industry-leading initiative. With a focus on low-impact transport and organic farming practices, Seed and Bean represents a strong choice for the environmentally mindful consumer.
Original Beans combines luxury chocolate with environmental activism. For every bar sold, a tree is planted in a cocoa-growing region, actively offsetting emissions and contributing to biodiversity conservation. The company directly sources beans from farmers using regenerative agroforestry practices, ensuring climate-positive production. Their elegant packaging is biodegradable, and their entire supply chain is built around conservation.
Celebrating Easter doesn’t have to come at the cost of the planet. By choosing sustainable chocolate and rethinking our festive habits, we can embrace the joy of the season while honouring the Earth. Whether it’s supporting brands like Original Beans or dyeing eggs naturally, each small choice adds up to a big environmental impact.