Can Halloween be an environmentally-friendly holiday? Well, first there are the elaborate costumes that get worn once a year and the face-paint containing toxic chemicals. Then you’ve got the bite-sized sugary, processed candies and chocolates, all individually wrapped. And what about all those pranksters wasting perfectly good toilet paper on trees?
Trust me there are some ways to teach the kids to be green on Halloween. Why not convert a costume from past Halloween into something new? For example, a black robe from a witch costume can have a second life as a nun’s habit or a Zorro costume. Not enough accessories? Take a trip to the thrift store and buy some second-hand gear. This works particularly well for elaborate gowns, 70s outfits or sport uniforms. And don’t forget about “natural” hair dyes like flour for achieving white hair.
Now about those individually wrapped candies and chocolates…that’s a tough one because most parents will warn kids against eating apples or fresh baked goods from strangers as they are easier to tamper with. Let your kids eat the processed junk food (it’s a special treat), but try and make the treats you give out as healthy as possible. There are some neat products available in health food stores like natural chewing gum (http://www.gleegum.com/) and candies made from natural fruit juices or low in sugar.
Got any tips of your own? I’m looking for some good ideas for my costume this year…
Make a difference − share this environmental tip with your friends.
Biggest Halloween » Blog Archive » Make it a Green Halloween says:
20 October 2008 at 15 h 45 min[...] Cheryl Gudz wrote an interesting post today onMake it a Green HalloweenHere’s a quick excerptWhy not convert a costume from past Halloween into something new? For example, a black robe from a witch costume can have a second life as a nun’s habit or a Zorro costume. Not enough accessories? Take a trip to the thrift store and buy … [...]
Halloween Ideas Blog » Blog Archive » Make it a Green Halloween says:
20 October 2008 at 15 h 53 min[...] Cheryl Gudz wrote an interesting post today onMake it a Green HalloweenHere’s a quick excerptCan Halloween be an environmentally-friendly holiday? Well, first there are the elaborate costumes that get worn once a year and the face-paint containing toxic chemicals. Then you’ve got the bite-sized sugary, processed candies and … [...]
Funny Halloween » Blog Archive » Make it a Green Halloween says:
20 October 2008 at 16 h 37 min[...] Cheryl Gudz wrote an interesting post today onMake it a Green HalloweenHere’s a quick excerptCan Halloween be an environmentally-friendly holiday? Well, first there are the elaborate costumes that get worn once a year and the face-paint containing toxic chemicals. Then you’ve got the bite-sized sugary, processed candies and … [...]
Scary Halloween » Blog Archive » Make it a Green Halloween says:
20 October 2008 at 17 h 22 min[...] Cheryl Gudz wrote an interesting post today onMake it a Green HalloweenHere’s a quick excerptCan Halloween be an environmentally-friendly holiday? Well, first there are the elaborate costumes that get worn once a year and the face-paint containing toxic chemicals. Then you’ve got the bite-sized sugary, processed candies and … [...]
Marta says:
27 October 2008 at 14 h 00 minCheryl, we are organizing a Halloween Costume Exchange on http://www.SwapSity.ca.
Hopefully, the initiative will help to recycle costumes in the Toronto Area.
It does not cost anything to join in our Halloween fun!
Laurie Burrows says:
29 October 2008 at 14 h 18 minI’m handing out “healthier” options this year….Sesame snaps, Salba’s Brown Rice Crisp bars, Fruit to Go’s and mini juice boxes. Why not? Still taste yummy and offer options….nut free too so they can go to school!!!
Marie says:
29 October 2008 at 15 h 00 minSalut!
We are going to be handing out some pretzels and little playdough an options instead of giving out candies but still have the wrapping that is not green. I am sure somebody will come up with something greener. Have a great Halloween!
Christina says:
29 October 2008 at 17 h 19 minWhen you’re too old to go trick or treating, one thing you can do is still go and ask for non-perishable food items for the foodbank, it’s not a green idea but it helps our communities.
Glee Puts the WEE in HalloWEEn! - Glee Gum says:
22 January 2009 at 18 h 32 min[...] – Simple Green Action, “Make It A Green Halloween” [...]