Halloween is almost here, and for those of you who plan on celebrating the spooky holiday, you’ve probably started putting together a few ideas for costumes, parties and treats.
And while we only want you to have the best of fun on Halloween, it’s not too late to consider a few greener alternatives.
Costumes
Over the years, the new costume standard has become pre-packed, plastic and disposable costumes shipped from half way around the world.
These costumes have heavy carbon footprints, and often head to the landfill after just one use.
To reduce the impact on the environment, it’s time to get creative. Browse through the web and look for costume ideas that could be created with clothes already in your wardrobe, or pieces of clothing that could be easily located in a thrift store. All you need is your sewing kit, a few accessories and you’re good to go!a
If you’re not the crafty type, why not see what’s lying in your friends’ closets? I know I have a box of costumes ready for a second (or third, or fourth…) re-wear!
Candy
Kids are going to eat candy on Halloween, but you don’t have to add to the already huge hauls of sugar that these kids bring home. Not only does candy live a monstrous carbon footprint, it’s also just plain bad for the children.
If you live in a close-knit neighbourhood, simplu tell your neighbours what you’re making for Halloween so that they know their kids are safe. You can also leave a sign on the door/gate explaining to passerbys that you’re giving away handmade food. Oh, and don’t forget to add a distinctive sticker or mark on it so parents can double check and make sure it’s from you!
However, if you’re in a big neighbourhood, this probably isn’t feasible.
Instead, why not opt for some small gifts? These can be handmade, or you can even give the kids crafts that they can make themselves when they get home!
If you have to give out candy, why not consider some organic or fair-trade brans such Dark Chocolate Minis from Camino or Yummy Earth’s Organic Lollipops.
Oh, who needs those plastic bucket? Canvas bags, reusable shopping bags or pillow cases are much creepier anyways.
Decorations
Most Halloween decorations are cheap and disposable plastic trash that gets thrown out after the holiday is gone.
If you’re crafty: This is your time to shine! Get the kids and sit down to start creating some fantastic re-usable and high quality decorations.
Create re-usable garlands, bunting, spookify your mason jars, re-use that chicken wire and start painting some Halloween posters – there are plenty of fantastic Halloween decorations out there.
You can do this every year as part of the holiday, and you won’t even realize that you’ve done the environment a huge favour!
Pumpkins
Pumpkins are all the rage when the Halloween season falls, but people are quick to forget that with supply and demand comes some dangerous effects on the environment.
In order to grow pumpkins that are big enough and fast enough, many of them have been sprayed with heavy-duty pesticides and shipped over long distances, making their carbon footprint pretty high.
The solution is easy: Simply buy organic and locally grown pumpkins.
Don’t forget to make pumpkin-based recipes out of the pumpkin flesh! Try any of these ones to get started: Vegan Pumpkin Pie, Pumpkin Ravioli, or Pumpkin Seed Granola (Without having to worry about feeding your kids pesticides!)
Note: This article was originally published in 2014
