I don’t often write holiday themes on simply stephen but thought a little note on how to green your Halloween would be refreshing. For this consumer holiday it is easy to overlook some simple steps you can take to a greener Halloween.

Green Costume – try to make your costume or find a costume exchange. If you have a group of friends with kids, see what you can swap. Going to your local store and buying a costume is not a good option (many of those costumes have lots of plastic and toxins) unless you are going to a used clothing store. Donating your costumes to a charity or community group after is a good idea or saving it for child number 2 to wear next year.

Halloween Parties – try sending your invite by email, twitter or an eVite online service. Think about how you will decorate and use dishes and cutlery that can be washed and put away, not the throw away kind. Just give it some thought about getting there, can you car pool and have one designated driver.

Green Halloween Treats – consider treats that are a little more healthy and not maybe even organic if you can afford it. Some treats like lolipops, snack bars and dried/rolled fruit are a good choice from the health standpoint and especially dark chocolate. You could get creative and substitute with a toy instead of candy – make sure you have a good selection or the kids might give you a trick! You can find organic treats for a bargain at your local organic health food store. Sweet potato cookies made with stevia or a variety of healthy but delicious snacks like granola bars could also do the trick. Use a recyclable bag to collect the treats or even a pillow case.

Decorations – try decorating with recycled items. Cutting out recycled cardboard into Halloween shapes. You can pile up leaves and fill sacks to make scarecrows or other items of fear.  Pass on the pumpkin if you don’t have kids that want to carve, or you can simply draw the face on and use the pumpkin to make pie. If you do carve the pumpkin, use it all and make sure you compost the rest.

As an added note you don’t have to follow the kids around in the car or drive them – try walking. Hope that gave you some fodder for your Halloween Haunt. Please add your two cents in the comment fields so we can generate some more ideas for next year. Thanks for reading and have a safe and happy Green Halloween.

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