Green Halloween

What was once a celebration of a new season is now a 6 billion dollar industry of costume shopping, candy sales, and seasonal decor. So, how do you celebrate and stay green this season? With a little planning and imagination, it's easy to get back to the basics of Halloween. You might find that it's much more fun too!

Decorating for a Green Halloween

Indoor Halloween Decorations
Think about the decorating for the entire fall season. Fall table decorations made with pumpkins can be used well into November. Instead of carving pumpkins, draw a face on them with black magic marker. When Halloween is over, simply turn your pumpkins around. Check out these pumpkin centerpieces and fall door decorations for more ideas.

Halloween Yard Decoration Ideas
Decorate with bales of hay, cornstalks, gourds and mums. Grab the kids and make a scarecrow stuffed with straw or newspaper. Find a pair of old blue jeans, flannel shirt, boots, a straw hat and gloves. Stuff with straw and tie off with twine. Use a pair of old suspenders and belt to help support your scarecrow. When Halloween is over, recycle decorative pumpkins, gourds, cornstalks and straw by composting it.

Fun for a Green Halloween

Activities
Attend local carnivals that focus on fun activities instead of "how much candy can I collect?" Look for Halloween parades, hay rides and fundraisers in your area. Or, host your own green Halloween party. Send electronic invitations and challenge your guests to wear costumes made from things around the house.

Treating
Consider giving out small trinkets like stickers, temporary tattoos, seashells, or wooden toys. Give out decks of cards, jack sets and pick-up sticks in place of candy. If you know your neighbors well, consider making homemade goodies for the kids. Popcorn balls, caramel dipped apples or pumpkin bars are always a big hit. If you give out prepackaged treats, try to buy fair trade and organic candy bars, dried fruits and raisins.

Green Halloween Tips

Treat Pails: Instead of a plastic pumpkin, carry a pillowcase or recycled tote bag.

Crafting: If you use felt to make a costume, opt for Eco-fi brand. It's made of 100% recycled plastic bottles and can be found in most craft stores.

Face Paint: Skip the mask and use homemade face paint. Mix 1 teaspoon cold water, 1 teaspoon cold cream, 2 teaspoons corn starch and food coloring. Wash off with cold cream.

Trick-or-Treating
If you kids are trick-or-treating, head out on foot instead of driving. Have them collect treats in pillowcases and reusable tote bags.

Costumes
This year, borrow a costume, trade with a friend, or make your own. Quick easy Halloween costumes can be made out of things you already have. Use non-toxic face paint and hair color instead of a mask. Check what's in the make-up bag first; you may find just what you need. See these 30 quick easy Halloween costumes made from things around the house.