We’re getting ready for Passover this week, which isn’t as easy as it may seem. We’re cleaning, donating, separating, trying to bring in this important holiday as fresh as possible. Passover, which this year falls from Saturday, April 19th through Sunday, April 27th, is the ultimate celebration of Spring. Getting ready for Passover means literally upending your house, and having a green Passover is a great way to welcome Spring into your home. Here are some general tips to greening your home, and holiday -

• Cleaning with eco-products, such as Mrs. Meyers, Seventh Generation, or homemade concoctions to clean and disinfect, especially your kitchen (the idea being to remove every last crumb from every last surface before Passover begins)
• Buying meat and produce from local sources, such as farmer’s markets - and organic, whenever possible
• Using regular dishes instead of disposable ones during the seders, to cut down on waste
• Get creative with leftovers! Passover dinners can easily turn into great lunches the next afternoon

If you’re looking for more inspiration, The Jew and the Carrot provides a wealth of information regarding food (for Passover and in general) and sustainability. For Passover, find sustainable seder menus, a kosher organic wine list, and many other resources. PETA also has a wonderful article called “Celebrate a Compassionate Passover” with many vegetarian recipes and resources, and why going veggie benefits the earth and animals.  Happy Passover!