Green Halloween
I’ve always had mixed feelings about Halloween. Mostly because I think that scary masks and sugar highs make for a bad combination. That’s not to say that we won’t celebrate with my son. We plan on carving a pumpkin, dressing my son up and taking him to our local harvest festival since he’s too young to trick or treat.
According to the National Retail Federation, Halloween spending for 2008 is estimated to reach $5.77 billion this year. That is a lot of costumes, candy, decorations and waste! Going green this Halloween can be fun and educational for your children! Here are some tips to get you started!
Every year parents buy their child a new costume that will be worn for a few hours, only to end up taking permanent residence in the back of a closet. On the off-chance that a future child will delight in big brother or sister’s hand-me-downs, the outfit may make a second appearance. Before you purchase your favorite retailer’s take on this year’s popular cartoon character, consider the fact that numerous chemicals including lead, cadmium, PVCs, and phthalates have been found in store-bought costumes and masks. Renting or buying a used costume from a consignment store may be greener but not necessarily safer so be sure to do your research!
If you’re the crafty type, check out the Family Fun Magazine website for over 100 easy-to-make Halloween costume ideas. I personally like their Last Minute section since I’m the procrastinating type. Don’t forget that your closets and your local thrift store can be incredibly resourceful for adding that creative, personal touch!
If you’re like me, you may not have the time or energy to engage in such a crafty endeavor. Many companies offer safe costume alternatives. If you opt to purchase a costume from a chain store like Toys R Us, be sure to forego the PVC-laden masks!
All Dressed Up!
Harrison’s Halloween Costumes for babies up to six months are 100% cotton and affordable at only $18.00. At present their selection is limited but super cute!
Check out Under the Nile for veggie-inspired costume ideas. Choose from a banana, tomato, or carrotorganic cotton hat paired with one of their organic cotton onesies and a pair of organic cotton trousers.
I absolutely adore the costumes and dress-ups at Sarah’s Silks for older children (ages 3-10). The company uses hand-hemmed silks (which are both natural and renewable) and non-toxic dyes. Be sure to check out the exquisite petal tops for your little princess and the valiant knight costume for your little prince.
Check out Nova Natural Toys & Gifts for 100% silk play silks and dress-ups. My top pics include the silk Rainbow Skirt for girls and the Knight’s Silk Armor for boys.
Magic Cabin has a wide assortment of costumes and dress-ups derived from silk and cotton. Read about the company’s stringent product safety policy here.
The great thing about these costumes is that your child may want to play dress-up all year round!
Bag the Swag!
Ditch the plastic pumpkins and opt for a fun, reusable bag for collecting eats and treats.
Take your pick from one of the following companies:
Simply Savvy (an Etsy shop)
Trick or TREAT!
Halloween is the perfect time to introduce tasty, nutritious snack alternatives to candy. With the increasing number of children being diagnosed with both types of diabetes, it is prudent to avoid sugar-laden, fatty treats. I personally like granola (including bars), trail mix, and real fruit snacks as alternatives to candy. Why not include some of the following healthy treats this Halloween?
Bear Naked Granola & Trail Mix
Clif Kid Organic Z Bar This Halloween they’re introducing their new Spooky S’mores flavor
Can Do Kid’s Gluten Free Protein Bars
Clif Kid Organic Twisted Fruit
FruitaBu Organic Smoooshed Fruit
Organic Dried Fruit (i.e. raisins, cranberries, etc.)
Annie’s Natural and Organic Snacks
Be sure to check out Enjoy Life Foods for gluten and allergen-free snacks.
If your child simply has to have some candy, opt for fair-trade, organic varieties. Try Endangered Species Chocolate Bars, Spun City Organic Cotton Candy, or Zootons’ Organic Candy.
I personally like a mix of edible and non-edible treats. Eco-dough, soy crayons, and eco-fingerpaint inspire creativity.
Pumpkin Carving 101
Kids love to carve pumpkins. Be sure to visit your local farmer’s market for an organic pumpkin, particularly if it will be consumed. Alternatively, you can visit a local pumpkin patch and have your children pick one out!
All dressed up and nowhere to go? Check out Green Halloween for local events this month in major cities like Los Angeles and Seattle.
I hope you’re inspired to take the next step in preserving our precious environment. It’s easier than you think!
I’m a NICU nurse by day, blogger by night. My husband and I savor the warm Southern California sun. We love to travel…so much so that we spent 8 weeks backpacking Europe before moving to Edinburgh, Scotland where we found out I was pregnant with my son. I am a babywearing, co-sleeping, breastfeeding mama whose passions include health, fitness, and all things green. If I’m not running after my 15 month old son…or my husband…you can find me frequenting the local tea room, shopping, baking, or reading.
My blog is Rockin’ Mama
October 7th, 2008 at 6:22 pm
Don’t forget about Spreadshirt for reusable Trick-or-Treat bags! They have 2 sizes and the large totes are eco-friendly!!
For more info on Spreadshirt, check out http://www.spreadshirt.com or feel free to email me.
January 19th, 2009 at 4:16 pm
Hi,
Thank you for writing about our Harrisons Halloween 100% Cotton Spooky Baby Costumes on your site.
I wanted to let you know that our website has changed upon sale of the company, so the link you posted does not currently work. If you are interested in updating the link, it should now connect to http://www.castlesncrowns.com
Thanks so much!
Tricia – Owner of Harrisons Halloween at http://www.castlesNcrowns.com