A Green Halloween

Making your holidays green involves behavior that is no different from the earth friendly practices that you already use in your everyday life. The goal is to live sustainably so that you and the earth are healthy. The following eco-friendly suggestions are ways to have fun and celebrate with specific ideas for Halloween.

Let’s face it, candy is most of the fun of Halloween. You are not likely to convince kids to forgo the candy, but do try to buy it with as little packaging as possible. Buy bulk if possible and look for candy that is wrapped in paper rather than plastic wrappers. Try giving away other treats like packets of seeds for growing flowers or eco-friendly pencils.

Dressing up for Halloween is the other half of the fun of this unique holiday. Reuse last year’s costume or be creative and help kids make their own. I think the best costumes for my own kids were those they made from whatever ingredients we already had in the house. If possible, use natural fabrics like silk, cotton, or wool. Avoid costumes and masks made of vinyl or PVC. It has a distinctive smell (like a shower curtain) and is one the worst of the plastics for the environment. Soft vinyl usually has phthalates added which are risky for human health.

Resist buying plastic bags or plastic containers for candy collecting. Instead use a reusable canvas bag that has Halloween decorations on it or make your own from something like a pillowcase and have the kids decorate it.

Trick-or-treat in your own neighborhood and walk with your kids rather than drive. Heavy car traffic in your neighborhood is dangerous as well as polluting.

Organize a party with your neighbors or favorite group rather than going door to door. This makes it easier to serve healthy treats. Have the party outdoors and enjoy the autumn sky. Maybe you can help your trick or treater identify some constellations!Choosing green living practices should be a daily event, not just for holidays. Show your family that living sustainably is not difficult and it’s the right thing to do - even during holidays