They make terrible gifts, even if they aren’t dyed pink. The same goes for ducklings or rabbits bought on the spur of the moment. Many of these Easter gifts end up homeless. Plus, the CDC says that Easter chicks aren’t good for kids as they may carry Salmonella, which could be dangerous to children who don’t wash their hands properly after touching the chickens.

To help prevent the suffering of discarded Easter pets and overcrowding at local shelters, Farm Sanctuary encourages parents to help promote a new compassionate tradition by sponsoring a rescued farm animal in need rather than buying a baby animal from a store. Many of the animal residents at Farm Sanctuary’s shelters were rescued after being given as presents for Easter, and they now depend on adoptive “parents” for their care.

Farm Sanctuary’s Adopt-A-Farm Animal Project is a great way to inspire compassion in children. Each unique sponsorship package comes with a personalized adoption certificate and beautiful color photo that can be tucked into an Easter basket.

Find out more about how to support a farm animal this spring at Farm Sanctuary, a nonprofit organization that provides lifelong care for hundreds of rescued animals.

40th Anniversary of Earth Day is April 22, 2010 | Ecopaper is providing 20% off all retail purchases. Valid from 04/19/2010 – 04/24/2010

Imposter is changing that with their new collection, Wild Life Inspired, bearing the “IM Imposter” logo, a universal symbol for animal friendly products.

With Imposter, you know that no animal gave its life for the product, plus animals will receive a royalty share from each Imposter-branded product sold.

To help animals, Imposter partnered with Farm Sanctuary, the nation’s leading farm animal protection organization.

(Image credit: Imposter)