HAVE A GREEN HALLOWEEN

Halloween is coming up, and what better way to celebrate this spooky holiday than the “Greenie” way? Follow these simple tips to help make your Halloween super-green:

1. Reuse & Recycle Your Costumes
   Instead of splurging on expensive, store-bought costumes, why not take some of that eco-chic skill and make your own? Vintage second-hand shops often have great costume material available gently used, and at a great price! Use your imagination to create your own outfits – clothes hangers for butterfly wings, old sheets for ghostly disguises, or old boxes for a funky futuristic robo-suit – anything is possible with a little DIY magic.
    
2. Choose Organic Disguises
   If your costume requires you to use any form of makeup, be sure to choose organic, natural makeup free of mercury, phthalates, parabens, and fragrances. This may mean staying away from big-name brands and looking at specialized vegan makeup or other eco-friendly brands. That way, when you’re washing it all off at the end of the night, you won’t feel bad about sending all of it back down into the water supply.
    
3. Eco-Friendly Deco
   Reuse Halloween decorations each year, instead of buying new ones. Your lawn will still look spooky and, best of all, you won’t be wasting materials year after year. Think eco-chic when filling all your decorating needs, including choosing a pumpkin from a local farm, roasting the seeds instead of wasting them, and lighting up the little guy with a clean, natural, soy candle.
    
4. Planning a Party?
   This year, remake your annual Halloween bash into something with an eco-friendly theme. Instead of candy, serve organic treats, like apple cider, hummus and pita chips, and vegetable trays, make your own decorations out of recyclable items you find around the house, and don’t forget to send out electronic invitations instead of paper ones to avoid wasted paper and postage.
    
5. Treat Green
   Stock up on organic treats, instead of the usual preservative-filled candies, or research brands that donate a part of their profits to environmental organizations. This way, you’re not only giving to your community, but also to the earth. Check out Green Halloween (www.greenhalloween.com) for more ideas.
    
6. Bag it Right
   Steer clear of disposable plastic trick-or-treating bags. Instead, use a pillowcase or reusable cloth bag. These handy totes can be used each year, without causing a negative impact on the environment.