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Top Ten Tips for Creating an Enjoyable Eco-Friendly Halloween

 

All Treats and No Tricks for Those Who Go Green

As an avid recycler, composter, and green gardener, I use every opportunity to be green.  Halloween can be a bit tricky but offers us a chance to be inventive with our eco-friendly efforts.  Let's explore some of my favorite green and eco-friendly ways to celebrate this ghoulish holiday.

Trick or Treat Goodies

Treats don't always have to be food.  In fact, most candy packaging is excessive with a tiny treat packaged inside paper, packaged inside plastic, making most a non-green option.    As a retired teacher and gardener, my favorite choices are recycled bookmarks, stickers, and seed packets. 

Ghostly Parties

Halloween parties are a much better green option for serving organic, home-baked goodies in a safe environment.  Involving children in the planning, baking and hosting makes this an even more memorable event. 

Compostable Invitations

Begin by hand-delivering handmade invitations for those who don't use email or text.  Leftover scraps of construction paper make great invitations; inquire at your nearby elementary school.  Other options include using recycled paper or a small paper bag, which can be reused.   Please use markers filled with non-toxic ink. 

Boo...tiful Decorations That Won't End Up in the Landfill

The best indoor decorations are locally grown, seasonal fruits and vegetables, like pumpkins, gourds, and apples.  Also, peruse thrift stores with your children and allow them to use their imagination.  They may find the perfect vampire coffin.  Look for sheets—great to use as ghosts.

Seasonal Treats

The options are endless with my two seasonal favorites: pumpkin and apples.  Pumpkin ice cream, bread, cupcakes, cake, and smoothies are always a hit.  Moreover, who can turn down a caramel apple?

Locally Grown Treats

The best way to ensure your party food ingredients are locally grown is to shop at a neighborhood farmers' market.  If this isn't possible, check with your grocer.   

Think Local and Organic When Thirsty

Organic and locally made apple juice and cider are abundant this time of year.  This and pumpkin smoothies will satisfy everyone's thirst. 

Recycle and Reuse for Your Halloween Costume

Thrift stores offer the best costume choices.  With a little imagination, you can take an old lace dress and turn your little girl into a stunning, yet scary witch. 

Makeup

Non-toxic makeup can be made from items in most people's pantries and bathrooms. 

Try This:

For generic face paint, combine 1 tsp corn starch, 1/2 tsp water, 1/2 tsp cold cream, and 2 drops of food coloring. Stir well. 

For realistic-looking blood, combine red food coloring and corn syrup. Applying this might take a bit of practice, so allow yourself plenty of time to play with it.  Add peanut butter or coffee grounds to the mixture for more gore.

Compost

Compost all leftover jack-o-lanterns, fruits, and veggies.   

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