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How to Have a Green Halloween

By User:lengli @timeAndDate(1286384723) Between turning your home into a haunted house, stocking up on mini candy bars, and outfitting yourself in some flimsy disguise that you're sure you'll never wear again, it's easy to see how Halloween became a billion dollar industry.  This holiday gets bigger and bigger every year, with costume shops reporting recordand why shouldn't they?  All Hallow's Eve is a night of magic and fantasy, after all...at least until you see all the garbage being lugged away on the first day of November. Living green is a way of life, and we can't take time off simply because it's a holiday.  Halloween is just another chance to show that we are concerned about our planet.  Every aspect of this occasion can be altered to minimize our environmental impact without minimizing any of the fun!  Our guide to having a Green Halloween will help you learn how to make your own costumes and decorations, get the most out of tricktreating, and throw the most memorable party ever.

Deadly Decorating

Sure, it's easy enough to run to the drug store and pick up a bag of fake spiderwebs, but what do you do with them when it's time to bring out the Thanksgiving turkeys and cornucopias?  More often than not, seasonal decorations are discarded and rebought each year.  Not only does this hurt the environment, but it also affects your walletwho wants to spend money on the same plastic pumpkins over and over?  If you do opt to buy items, consider storing and reusing them.  An even better approach, however, is to make your own. By using things you already have laying around the house, you can get in the spirit of Halloween ''and'' cut down on clutter! * Old sheets and pillowcases can obviously be transformed into ghost costumes, but they're superb for adding ambiance.  Fray the edges or shred them and then age them with natural dyes: grab a spray bottle and fill it up with tea.  Mist it over your fabrics so they will look yellowed and musty, then drape them over tables or use them as window dressings.  They'll look like they're centuries old. * With a Tissue paper can be fashioned into garlands or paper chains.  Think bats, ghosties, black cats, pumpkins, spiders, and so on. Trace a pattern for reference as you cut, taking care that the design touches both sides of the paper so the figures will connect. * For a scientific experiment gone wrong, fill glass jars with water (use a couple drops of the food coloring of your choice to create a more dramatic effect) and then float vegetables inside.  Cabbage or cauliflower looks like brains, grapes will act as eyeballs, and fennel can be chopped to resemble a heart. * Create your own cobwebs with string, cheesecloth, gauze, pantyhose, quilt stuffing, or dried hot glue strands (careful not to burn yourself). * Leftover cardboard, wood, or insulation board can be easily converted into headstones for your lawn.  Paint them a darker color, but before everything completely dries, drag a rag across the surface to add texture.  You could also sponge on some green or red to give a moldy appearance. Use small brushes and darker paint to write the epitaph, then smudge slightly so the stone looks old and weathered. * Spray paint pumpkins, gourds, or floral bouquets for a spooky effect.  You can use black or metallic, depending on the aesthetic you're going for.  Make sure you only do this in a well-ventilated area. * To create your very own scarecrow, stuff old clothes with newspaper or cotton stuffing, and use a jacklantern or a stuffed pillowcase for a head.  Sit him in a chair, or wire him to a pole if you want him to watch over your garden. '''All Natural''' '''Low-Impact Lighting''' The right Halloween lighting scheme is of supreme importance: without the soft flicker of candlelight, haunted houses are just abandoned and dusty!  However, candles present a significant hazard, especially if children will be present, so sometimes you'll just have to make do with electric alternatives.  For more information on ecoLights'>Compact Fluorescent Lights.

Dynamite Disguises

The costume industry generates vast amounts of revenue, but it produces even more waste.  Each year, tons of outfits are manufactured out of synthetic fabrics like PVC plastic and polyester, which are often petroleumtreating. * If you don't have room in your house to store things season after season, look into renting! There are large differences in rental costs, though, so be sure to do your research before committing. * If you must purchase an outfit, look for natural fabrics like cotton or silk. * To truly get the word out, consider dressing up as something green. Great ideas include a globe, an insect, a bird, or some other kind of animal. * Have old costumes you're dying to get rid of? Thrift stores and consignment shops will often accept these, or you could even donate them to certain charities. * Remember to make a fuss! Let people know about your cause and try to get a conversation started about the benefits of your actions. '''Making Faces'''

Trick or Treat?

Trickwell, it's just an unfathomable amount of resources. '''Candy With a Conscience''' It may be an uphill battle, but one person ''can'' make a difference.  By choosing green Halloween treats, you'll still be able to participate in all the neighborhood fun, but you'll be doing your part to make the world a better place.  * Reduce litter and look for candy with minimal packaging * Avoid artificial sweeteners and high fructose corn syrup.  Organic ingredients like cane sugar or concentrated fruit juices taste so good the kids will never know the difference. * Do your research and buy from companies that show a commitment to better the environment. * Support local business whenever possible, though make sure all items are properly packaged.  You don't want to look like that suspicious neighbor putting razor blades in chocolate bars. * If you dare to be ''that house'', give away useful trinkets or fun toys instead of candy. Here are some delicious organic and fair trade options. Be sure to give these brands a try, too! * College Farm Organic: Hard candies and lollipops in a variety of flavors. * Equal Exchange: Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate! * Pure Fun: All sorts of organic sweets. * Surf Sweets: Organic treats and gummies, many of which are vegan. '''Other Tips''' Green tricktreating isn't just about the candy; you can also reduce your carbon footprint in other easy ways. * '''It's in the Bag''': Give your kids pillow cases are transformed into imaginative works of art that are perfect for collecting all sorts of goodies. You can use it again next year, but why wait? Many grocery stores will give you a discount on your order for bringing your own bag, so think about that the next time you're out shopping. * '''Take a Hike''': Cut down on fuel consumption and air pollution. Walk instead of driving from neighborhood to neighborhood, and if you're attending a party, take public transport, ride a bike, or try to carpool. * '''Clean Sweep''': Bring an extra sack along so you can discard candy wrappers if you see them laying around, and teach your kids about the grossness of littering. Remember, you really shouldn't allow children to eat any of their candy until you've had a chance to inspect it thoroughly. * '''Guiding Light''': Proper illumination is key to a safe and happy Halloween.  Make sure young trickflashlight'>flashlight.

The Responsible Party

If you're throwing a green shindig this year, let everyone know about it!  You'll be getting the word out to your family and friends in a really fun way, and who knowsyou might encourage them to consider the effects of their actions. Above all, remember that Halloween is a time of fun and frights, and there is plenty of fun to be had with the bounty that nature has to offer.  By keeping Mother Earth in mind, you'll ensure that holiday high jinks will be enjoyed for many more generations to come.

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