Halloween is meant to be ghoulish, ghastly, and loads of fun. So, how do you have a Green Halloween while still helping kids have a blast?
Here are a few ideas:
*Consider DIY costumes with stuff you already have at home. Have a pillbox hat from Grandma? Jackie-O is born. Or a fancy, blue dress? The Good Witch from Wicked. You get the idea. A baseball uniform, old sheets, or a straw hat are all jumping off points for deliciously creative homemade characters.
For adults, we really like what MAKE readers came up with a couple of years ago and its now sponsoring another DIY contest with a Green Halloween category! Eco-crafters, check that out here.
*For face-painting and cosmetics, make sure you're getting non-toxic stuff. You can check EWG's Skin Deep Database or opt for natural henna like the kits from Los Angeles company, Earth Henna.
*Ditch the plastic bags and get a candy-tote that can be used for years down the road. We've got Chino company--Chico's--Trick or Treat Bags (designed by a kid we hear) for 7.00 in the store now.
*As soon as the weather's a wee bit cooler, we're going to be carrying some chocolate bugs from Grocer's Daughter, a still holiday-appropriate scary delight, but an organic, local option for the treats you'll be giving out.
*For decorations, opt for real, live pumpkins--gold stars for those grown locally and organically. Carve em up, put a beeswax tea light inside, and compost em when you're done.
*Stick close to home. Skip the car and walk through your neighborhood--it'll save gas and congestion and show off costumes a whole lot better that way.
If you've got other ideas, please share them with us!
May you have a hauntingly green Halloween.
