by Melinda

A friend once told me that she can’t believe how much ‘stuff’ people in Northern California buy for Halloween.  She is from a small town in Southern California and they never bought costumes or make-up.  They would just make their own from old clothes and maybe put charcoal on their faces.  She has a good point.  Our love affair with buying things for any occasion is out of control, and likely not just in Northern California.  When looking at greener solutions to your typical Halloween Holiday, consider the basics and what you really need to have fun.  Is it really about the costume or the candy, or is it about having fun with friends and family?  What are we buying into?  Also, consider why we actually celebrate Halloween.  Why do we do this every year?  Is there any ancient or spiritual significance to it?  Or is it just an industry made up holiday?  

In ancient times, Celtic Halloween was called Samhain.  It was a day where the veil between the physical and spirit world was the thinnest thus making it easier for people to be visited and guided by the spirits of their departed loved ones.  If we think about how Halloween originated, it gives us a whole different view of it.  It is a day where people give respect and appreciation to their beloved dead. The Day of the Dead in the Mexican culture is similar. It seems like the original Halloween was actually meant to be more of a sentimental, sobering holiday, rather than a holiday hyped up for marketing Halloween paraphernalia.

Here are some ideas below to green your Halloween.  Keep in mind the basic green principals:  Reduce the amount of stuff you use, re-use what you can, recycle what you have, and then buy new ‘greener’ things if you find it necessary.  Have fun, and while you are at it, send some love and gratitude to your departed loved ones who will be close by you on Halloween.

COSTUMES
Get vintage Halloween costumes from vintage stores, re-use old costumes, rent costumes, get costumes off Freecycle.com, or make your own from old clothes or fabric scraps. Keep kids away from cheap PVC costumes and masks.  A fun project for kids is to make or decorate their own Halloween bag.  (re-use an old bag).  Other sources:

Eco-Halloween bags: www.thegreenparent.com/2008/06/05/feeling-spooky
Eco-Halloween costumes: www.idealbite.com/tiplibrary/archives/biter_boo
Eco-Halloween products: www.playstoretoys.com
(One mom recommended getting safe make-up from this store early.  There are no Halloween products listed on-line, but you can call the store or visit it in Palo Alto, CA)

HEALTHY FOOD & TREATS
Concerned about candy from trick or treating?  Opt-out of trick-or-treating and have an eco-Halloween party and make your own healthier snacks.  Or, try these simple treats:  nuts, crackers, energy bars, fruit leathers, raisins, and dried fruits.


ECO-FRIENDLY CANDY
Plan ahead and order some online or check out your local Whole Foods, New Leaf, or Natural Food stores for fair-trade and organic treats.

Daily Green article and recommendations

EWG article and goody recommendations

Natural Candy Store

Organic Candy

Have more Green Halloween ideas?  Share them in the comments. 

Comments (4)

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written by kris4a, October 02, 2009

For most schools, Halloween is the kick off to the classroom parties - sign up sheets are posted and volunteers are busy. Who is in charge of bringing the paper products? Let Kids Konserve GREEN your Halloween with their Party Paks. Comes with plates, cups, and utensils. Use them, put them in a container to be brought home, put them in the dishwasher, back in the bags, and you are set for the next party! Take the trash out of the bash!

Here is a great blog about the party pak http://www.kidskonserve.com/bl...in-the-Bag!.aspx

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written by greencocobeans, October 06, 2009

I just stopped by The Kidz Shoppe today to see what options they had for a Halloween costume for my infant. They have a huge selection! I saw a couple Tigger outfits, peapods, flowers like Anne Geddes photos, cute puppy costumes and even a bunch of corn cobs. I don't quite know why there were so many corn cobs but there was a great variety of other costumes too.

http://greenmoms.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1522&Itemid=28

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written by kris4a, October 13, 2009

For many schools, Halloween kicks off the 1st Classroom Party for the new school year. Signups are posted and the party planning is under way, thanks to all the parent and PTA involvement. Who is bringing the paper products? Let Kids Konserve help you keep the trash out of the bash with our Party Pak.
Kids Konserve has parties in the Bag!
www.kidskonserve.com

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written by kris4a, October 13, 2009

Great article! And a great reminder to start the holidays with - reduce and reuse!

Back in the day, Halloween was different. It was a time to create, be imaginative, and it was a low-budget holiday. I still remember the countless decorations and costumes that were made out of old sheets and cardboard, not bought. The treats were homemade and trick or treating was done on foot. We used old pillowcases as candy bags! Back then, Halloween was green and it didn't even phase us. It was fun. Now, almost $6 billion a year is spent on costumes, candy, decor and other accessories, most of which are made from unhealthy, unsustainable materials, by people who may not be paid living wages or treated fairly. Most of the stuff - what isn't consumed - winds up in landfills. It is time to get back to basics - having good clean fun!

Read more great tips at: http://kidskonserve.com/blog/p...-Halloween!.aspx

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