GreenHalloweenrelease10-09

Issaquah WA, October 7, 2009: Creating an EEK-O-friendly Halloween is easier than ever this year thanks in part to www.GreenHalloween.org which boasts hundreds of practical, fun and economical green ideas for kids and parents alike.

In response to widespread concern about the childhood obesity epidemic, the discovery of chemicals and lead in store bought costumes and accessories, and the enormous waste generated at Halloween (list-topper for candy sales, are second only to Christmas for d�cor), Seattle-area mom, Corey Colwell-Lipson, three years ago started Green Halloween�, a not-for-profit community initiative that has parents and kids alike applauding.

"By applying the 3Rs-reduce, reuse, recycle-to every aspect of Halloween, parents can save money while creating healthier traditions for kids and the Earth," says Colwell-Lipson.

And believe it or not, families across the country are embracing her ideas.

"Of course giving out less candy at Halloween won't cure the juvenile obesity epidemic," Colwell-Lipson says, "but you have to start somewhere. And by offering dozens of alternatives and small, simple, no- or low-cost, fun steps parents can take with every aspect of Halloween, we've found that adults and kids alike are eager to get on board."

Whether you're interested in saving money or saving the Earth, Green Halloween has ideas. Here are just a few:

• Want to stick with candy as a treat? Look for organic sweets, especially those packaged in compostable wrapping. These can be found at natural food stores as well as online and many cost the same or less than conventional confections.
• Used to giving out handfuls? Cut back by 25%. Kids won't notice the difference, but you'll save money.
• Prefer to hand out treasures? Empty your kids' pockets! What treasures do they store? Shiny rocks, feathers, sea shells. Stock up on these and if you're wary of the response, offer as an alternative to conventional candy. See what happens.
• Always purchased new costumes? This year, before heading to the big box store, try an experiment and set kids on a hunt through the house collecting items that might be turned into creative costumes. Then work with them to construct their heart's desire. Or try a costume swap with neighbors or visit sites online where you can do the same.
• Older kids seeking more meaning in Halloween? Encourage them to take a look at how they can turn trick or treating into an activity that benefits others such as: Reverse Trick-or-Treating, trick-or-treating for cell phones, or of course, UNICEF's program.
• In the habit of buying new Halloween d�cor every year? Try swapping old for new-to-you with friends and neighbors. Host a make-it-take-it d�cor party before the big day. Pull out every black, purple or orange item in your home and decorate with those. Search online for how to make d�cor out of items you'd normally toss.

Hundreds more suggestions are available at www.GreenHalloween.org, along with ways everyone can participate. Schools, community and government groups, dentists and doctors, all will find easy-to-implement ideas. Everyone is encouraged to work locally, either on their own or with one of the official Green Halloween groups found in areas including New York City, California's Bay area, Phoenix, Seattle and Daytona Beach, FL. 

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For more information about Green Halloween or Celebrate Green or to obtain photos, contact Lynn.