Treat the earth this Halloween instead of tricking it. Create an eco friendly holiday that you and your kids will not only enjoy but remember. Treat this age old holiday with 21st century “green respect”.
- Make sure your treats all come in paper bags or boxes. You can wrap up candy corn or cream pumpkins in paper bags or specially designed treat bags and tie with brown twine. Another idea is to sew up felt bags , first use to hold candies but they can be later recycled to hold marbles, rocks, pennies, shells or anything kids can think of . If this is too much just give out treats in boxes instead of plastic wraps, Milk Duds and Raisinets are a couple of candies that come in biodegradable paper boxes. Stay away from any candy that has plastic wrappers .
- Have an all natural display. Yes it is fun to go over the top with the dry ice and the colored lights however this wastes energy. Just stick to pumpkins with candles in them (if this is too dangerous for your kids then try a small flashlight or even a tea light with a sunken wick) . You can also make organic displays with hay bales or a scary scarecrow using hay from your local farm and some old clothes. Old fashioned paper cut outs are fun too plus you can use them year after year.
- Green costumes. Use boxes, paper towel and toilet paper tubes and newspapers to create costumes. Boxes are easy to work with and you can have fun. Try a jack in the box with a large box or a pyramid of presents with three or four. Also you can flatten out boxes to make umpire guards or gladiator armor. A really clever idea is to turn your kid into a walking bowl of pasta . Paint those leftover tubes white or red , then make a dish out of large flattened boxes . Create an opening in the middle for your little one to get into and presto you've got a ziti costume. You could also create a vase full of flowers. Use the rolls as stems with tissue paper flowers coming out of them . Your little one can be dressed all in green with a flower on his or her head as the center bud.
- Have an organic party. Use paper cups and plates only for your Halloween do. Don't serve drinks in scary Styrofoam!!! Also recycle your pumpkin seeds for a tasty and nutritious snack. Boil them in salted water first for ten minutes and then spread on an oiled cookie sheet. Bake for 20 minutes at 400 degrees Farenheit. Remember to serve organic foods such as apples and pears. You can also use acorn squash as edible bowls which go well with chili or ratatouille.
- Recycle all your decorations. Use the pumpkin and hay as either mulch or to feed any animals (you can bring the hay to any local stable while the pumpkin is good for raccoons and possums). Costumes and decorations can be stored until next year or if you want donate your kid's costume to any clothing drive. Reuse the candles as well for a weekend brunch table or save for Thanksgiving.
This Halloween , don't make the earth a scarier place. Make it green with thoughtful celebrating and giving. Not only will your kids appreciate it but the planet will too.
