Learn How to Dye Eggs the Natural Way

How about showing your kiddos a planet-friendly way to color Easter eggs? It’s important to pass along your love for the planet to the next generation, so give this colorful activity a try. You’ll help the younger ones see that there’s always a greener way to get something done.

The ingredients

2 pounds of beets, peeled, diced (Red)

3 tablespoons ground turmeric (Yellow)

2 small heads of red cabbage, sliced (Purple)

3 tablespoons chili powder (Orange)

2 cups spinach (Green)

2 cups crushed blueberries (Blue)

1 pot strong black coffee (Brown*)

White vinegar

Eggs

*For this dye color, please skip steps #1-3.

The steps

1. Bring 2 cups of water to a rolling boil.
2. Add dyeing agent.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for at least 30 minutes. A longer simmer creates a deeper color.
4. Strain liquid in a glass jar and cool to room temperature. This may take 2-3 hours.
5. Add 2 tablespoons of white vinegar and egg(s) to your glass container.
6. Seal the glass container and refrigerate overnight or until the egg is the right hue for you.
7. Remove eggs and pat dry. A light coat of vegetable oil produces a shinier finish.

Get creative

Create cool shapes, outlines and designs by using uncooked rice, onion skins and celery/bay/ivy leaves tucked underneath a cheesecloth (use string to secure the cloth in place). Basic string or rubber bands – used with brown dye only due to boiling water – will create nice lines and stripes.

Come full circle for being green

When purchasing your ingredient list be sure to buy local, organic foods, especially when it comes to those eggs. You can also strive to stay waste-free for this project. Eggshells and coffee grounds are great for composting to nourish your soil. Southern Living has 40 recipes that use hard-boiled eggs. And smoothies are a great way to use your leftover blueberries and spinach, while cabbage and beets can be worked into side dishes for the coming week.

More green living ideas

Now that you’ve gone green for a holiday tradition, try doing it with your everyday routine. Our Green Living Tips can help you reduce waste, rethink cultural norms, decrease your consumption and be more sustainable.

One of the best ways to make a change for the planet is to use 100% renewable energy. Our clean electricity plans are pollution free because they’re powered by wind and solar energy. Check out all of our plan options to see what works for you.