PUTTING THE GREEN IN HALLOWEEN
Posted on 10.17.07
By: OurGreenCommunity
Being green on Halloween doesn’t have to be a scary proposition. Many of the activities you do -- like wear a Dracula costume to work or dress up your little monsters as monsters -- is a once-a-year gig. Remember that and think recycling and reusing.
Here are a few tips for making your Halloween black, orange and green.
Make do-it-yourself costumes
Instead of buying a Halloween costume that you or your children will wear once and throw away, make your own costumes from old clothes and other items you already have around the house.
You can also get inexpensive Halloween costume materials from thrift stores or yard sales, or your children may have fun trading Halloween costumes with their friends to get something “new” and different to wear.
Trick or treat with reusable bags
When you send your ghouls and boys out for Halloween trick-or-treating, have the little green monsters take reusable bags instead of paper or plastic bags or plastic jack-o-lanterns. You can still have fun decorating eco-friendly alternatives such as pillowcases or cloth or canvas bags. Don’t discard them after use. Save them for next year.
And here’s something that may perk up the kidlets’ ears: They may hold more Halloween loot and are less likely to tear.
Give green treats
No, you don’t have to give out split pea soup. But look for treats that are gentle to the environment. Look for organic chocolate, lollipops and other candies. You may be surprised by what you’ll find at your local organic grocer, health food store or co-op.
Walk, don’t drive
Keep the trick-or-treating route to within walking distance. Don’t gather the kids into a vehicle and drive them to faraway neighborhoods. Yeah, the candy may be better, but ask yourself it it’s worth the extra fuel consumption and air pollution. Besides, you know the little critters will get chocolate all over your car seats anyway. If you’re headed to a Halloween party at a location that you cannot walk to, start the fun by carpooling to the site.
Eco-friendly Halloween party
If you’re the one throwing the Halloween party, use organic, locally grown pumpkins for carving, apples for bobbing, and other pesticide-free, locally grown foods appropriate to the holiday and the harvest season. And if it’s a pot luck, ask for organic, locally grown menu items. Remember, those pumpkin seeds you scooped out of your jack-o-lanterns can be roasted and served to guests at your party. Try to stay away from disposable plastic utensils. Decorate with recycled and recyclable materials.
thebigreas..
Our kids are going on their third consecutive year with the same trick-or-treat bags. They look forward to digging them out each year. And since when are halloween costumes only valid on the day of? My boy will literally be Spider-man until he outgrows the costume.