It’s the perfect day (and night) to go green!

Re-purpose this fun holiday into a sustainability event. Dress up for less, try real food treats, eat a pumpkin. It’s a good time to be a role model for the next generation.

7 Tricks to make this Holiday sustainable

Make your own costume-Go DIY
Be creative and green at the same time. Check out vintage and thrift stores, yard sales, mix and match what’s in your closet, or rummage through a friend’s closet. Put together something weird, sweet, scary or just fun. It’s your once-a-year chance to come-as-you-aren’t. Just don’t buy pre-made, plastic, throw-away costumes. They likely contain toxic chemicals.

If you collect treats, use a re-usable bag
Old pillowcases, re-usable cloth shopping bags or make a bag and decorate it. Don’t buy plastic pumpkins—go plastic-free for non-essentials.

Eat a pumpkin
Pumpkins are for eating, not just decoration. Best to find an organic one—even if you don’t eat your pumpkin it should still be pesticide-free to keep all those nasty bits out of the environment. Roast the seeds for snacks, cut up the pumpkin and use in all kinds of tasty treats, like muffins, stew, pancakes, shakes, and pie! When you’re done with your pumpkin, compost it. If you don’t compost, it’s time to start. Here are some tips.

Think differently about treats
Years ago, treats were homemade. But then a big food safety scare hit and we moved to individually-wrapped, mass-produced candy. And the expectation is kids will get pounds of it, mostly made of over-processed, artificial ingredients. Look for healthier options, they don’t have to be mass-produced candy. If you want to try giving homemade treats, make sure it’s clear to your “treaters” and their parents.

Plan a small, family party
Or select just a few neighbors to visit that you trust and pre-arrange homemade treats or activities at each destination.

Get crafty with decorations
There are lots of ways to decorate your home for Halloween, whether your style is like Martha Stewart or the Addams Family. It’s a great way to get the family and friends together. You may find vintage decorations, make your own, or dig in the garage for ideas. Then make your decorations last year-after-year… the older they get, the scarier.

Start new traditions.

Happy Hallogreen!

Image: “Hoboken Halloween 2010” by Rosss, Creative Commons

Eco-guide to living lighter

7 Tricks for a Happy Hallo’green’

7 Tricks for a Happy Hallo’green’

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