Hallow-Green Guide 2008

Disposable decorations, plastic costumes, and not to event mention the candy… the waste accumulated by a traditional Halloween can be frightening, indeed! But don’t get spooked; Green Mommy Guide is here to give you ideas to make it a Hallow-green this year!

Costumes

The endless rows of cheap costumes that show up in department stores this time of year are an example of the disposable nature of this holiday. Since budgets are tightening up, why shell out the cash for a cheap piece of plastic that is destined for the landfill on November 1st, and instead explore some more sustainable (and creative) options!

1. Its New To You! Halloween is one of the best time of year to hit up thrift stores and consignment shops. See how you can give those racks of used clothing new life as your transform them into your costume. Old prom dresses, scout uniforms, bell bottom jeans…who know what you’ll find and how you can use it! B y buying pre-worn items, you’re cutting down on consumption and probably saving money in the process.
2. Use Whatcha Got! The concept of recycling is a whole lot more fun when you’re turning old items into crazy costumes. I have fond memories of turning my 3rd grade Halloween, when I decided to dress up as a TV (what? is that weird? ) by cutting head and arm holes in a decorated cardboard box. And while you may not all have costumes as ridiculously cool as that one, look around your house to see what you can use and reuse to dress up without buying much! Back in college, a friend needed a last minute costume, so she puffy painted an old shirt to say “Marry Me, Bob Barker”, cut some used computer printer paper into a nametag, colored it yellow, and went as a “The Price is Right” contestant. Her homemade creation, truly made from things lying around our home, was the hit of the night! Think of how you can use materials from old sheets and towels (maybe a toga, angel robe, superhero cape?), to shoe boxes (Frankenstein boots? ) and anything in between. For some ideas to get you started, check out these ideas from Green Halloween.
   
3. Put Your Best Face Forward Face Paint can take a costume to the next level, but careful of the chemicals found in many of them. Be sure your face paint is labeled as non-toxic, or even better, Öko Tested, like these from nuno Organic!
4. Go for Quality If you must buy your kids a costume, consider looking for ones made from materials that are more Earth Friendly than cotton, such as satin. You’ll most likely have to pay more for these duds, but look for quality outfits that can be used for dress up and can be handed down through the years. Blueberry Forrest Toys has some fun ones!

Trick Or Treat

Whether you are going door to door or staying home to hand out treats to little goblins, there are greener choices galore! Rethink the candy by upgrading to Fair Trade chocolate, like the ones from the Global Exchange Online Store, or something totally different like the Spooky S’mores flavor of CLIF Kid Organic ZBars. Want to go completely candy free? Check out Crunchy Demestic Godess’s Halloween Candy Alernatives! Heading out into the night? Go old school and use a pillow case for room for maximum candy collection and reusability. Try this Greek Skull tote bag, or the limited edition Chico Halloween Bag, both of which can be reused for grocery shopping (especially when the kids are helping you shop!).

Decorations

First, use what you have- did you save the faux cobwebs and giant scarecrow from last year? Why re-buy?!? If you are looking for new decorations, see options for fair trade, recycled or sustainable ones that you can save and use year after year. Even better than buying- make your own using recycled materials! Its fun for the kids, nicer to your budget, and saves some waste from the landfill. For some great recycled Halloween craft ideas, see All Free Crafts.

More Green Halloween Tips- See these great guides

1. Your Green Review- Green Halloween Guide
2. ecoDomestica- Greening Hallowe’en
3. Green Halloween.org
4. Non-Toxic Kids- Eco Friendly Halloween Costumes
5. NatureMoms Blog- Eco Friendly Halloween

Want to win a Fair Trade Trick-or-Treat Action Kit? See our giveaway HERE!