Local Family Fun: Green Halloween

Did you know that swapping half the costumes kids wear at Halloween would reduce annual landfill waste by 6,250 tons equal weight of 2,500 midsize cars?* 

Green Halloween is a non-profit, community initiative to create a healthier and more earth-friendly Halloween.  This is the first year I've heard about this initiative and I wanted to spread the word.

According to GreenHalloween.org, here are some ways for you to have a healthier and more eco-friendly Halloween this year:

  • Host a costume exchange for National Costume Swap DayTM (second Saturday of October)
  • Choose fun treasures instead of conventional sweets. Or, choose healthier treats such as organic candy, natural snacks and honey sticks.
  • When it comes to costumes and décor—reuse, borrow, trade, purchase used or do-it-yourself.
  • If you’re giving a party, avoid disposable napkins, plates, cups, tablecloths and other
    décor. 
  • Get creative with Treat bags For extra fun, match the bag to the costume using something you already own. Here are some ideas: purses, flower pots (cover the hole), cloth sacks, backpacks, lunch-boxes.  We always used pillow cases as children and they worked perfectly.

*Statistic credit Bob Lilienfeld www.Use-Less-Stuff.com based on data from U.S. Census Bureau and Department of Transportation.  Assumes costume weight of 1 pound.