10 simple ideas to make your Halloween EEK-o-friendly
Kermit was wrong. It is easy being green—on Halloween that is!
Just make choices that are people-healthy, animal-friendly and Earth-conscious.
Leading up to Halloween, we’ll be posting lots of simple ideas in collaboration with our sister site, Green Halloween®.
If this is your first year trying to make Halloween more eek-o-friendly, we suggest you try a few of these suggestions. Don’t feel you have to do everything, just pick what inspires you.
1. Plan ahead to avoid last-minute shopping which often limits your choices.
2. When it comes to costumes and décor—reuse, borrow, swap, purchase used or do-it-yourself.
3. Treat bags can be anything! For extra fun, match the bag to the costume using something you already own. Here are some ideas: purses, flower pots (cover the hole), cloth sacks, backpacks, lunchboxes, reusable grocery bags.
4. Choose healthier treats. Take baby steps with organic candy and honey sticks, two child-favored choices. (Honey is not for children under the age of two).
5. Choose fun treasures instead of conventional sweets. Think of the treasures your child collects in her pockets—pretty rocks, coins, feathers etc.
6. If you‘re giving a party, avoid disposables including napkins, plates, cups, tablecloths and other décor.
7. Walk from house to house instead of driving.
8. Compost pumpkins and other food, including leftover candy (unwrap it first as most wrappers are not compostable).
9. Collect candy wrappers and help your kids turn them into gift items like purses, bracelets and picture frames. Find directions on the internet.
10. Avoid purchasing any treats made with palm oil.
For dozens more ideas visit www.GreenHalloween.org.
Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson are mother and daughter and authors of Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family, and founders of Green Halloween®.
