There are lots of scary things about Halloween but none scarier than the mountains of plastic-toys, toxic costumes, and child-slave-labor-made candy that tend to be abound this holiday. Instead of heading out to the Halloween store for a mass-produced costume, or decorations that will only end-up in a landfill, why not bring Halloween back to all it’s homespun, earth-friendly splendor? Whether you have children, or are a child-at-heart here are some tips to keep your Halloween from turning the planet into a nightmare:
- Companies like Hersheys, M&M/Mars, and Cadbury have horrible track records when it comes to child-salve labor in West Africa. It is sad injustice that the candy young children enjoy in this country often comes from the slave labor of a child that never even got to enjoy such a treat. Consider buying true treats from smaller companies that use organic ingredients (better for the environment), no artificial sweeteners (better for health), and fair trade labor (better for everybody). Here are some alternatives that can be found in stores like Whole Foods or online to get your juices flowing:
All-natural lollipops - like Yummy Earth
Nutrition bars – (Cliff Bars makes a Halloween flavor)
Fair-Trade Organic Chocolates
- Make your own costume. Or if you just aren’t so handy with the scissors and glue, try places like e-bay or thrift stores for a like-new costume or trade with friends. here’s some inspiration.
- Hand out nickels and dimes, erasers, pencils, or maybe even recyclable paper cups filled with cider to trick-or-treaters.
- Fall’s harvest makes for wonderful natural decorations. Use mums, gourds, pumpkins, leaves, bales of hay and other biodegradeable goodies instead of plastic and vinyl options. Or buy second-hand.
- To get that spooky glow, use soy candles instead of paraffin, or LED string lights instead of traditional bulbs.
- Use a pillowcase or a bag you already have for trick-or-treating. Avoid getting a new one every year.
- If entertaining, use as many reusable items as possible like cups, bowls, utensils, and plates.
What are some of your Green Halloween tips?
