Halloween is associated with the colors orange and black, but this year, why not add some green? Historically, this is a day when some of our sound eco-habits get tossed out the window. Even if a person’s everyday mantra is reduce, reuse, recycle, there are often some bad habits wandering through neighborhoods along with the trick-or-treaters . Here are some easy-to-follow tips for keeping your Halloween green.
Tips for Reducing, Reusing, and Recycling
Recycle grocery bags to use as trick-or-treat bags. recycled paper bags that are being reused for a third time boosts your eco-friendliness even higher.
If you’re not going to be home, but want to leave some treats on the porch, cut the top portion off a gallon milk jug instead of buying something new. You could decorate it, or put it out as is. As far as trick-or-treaters go, candy is all that matters.
Remind kids not to litter. Throwing trash on the ground is bad for the environment, and for wild animals and pets. Help keep candy wrappers off the streets by picking them up if you notice any. You can recycle them in November.
Buy second-hand decorations and costumes, or reuse items you already have. If you get the shopping bug, keep it simple by just adding new embellishments
Footprint Issues, Carbon and Otherwise
Mind your carbon footprint. Walk around to trick-or-treat instead of driving. Remind trick-or-treaters to steer clear of lawns if possible. Using driveways means more walking and it also means less trampling on already dormant lawns. Small critters like grasshoppers and crickets will appreciate it too.
Recycle all those candy wrappers. That add up to mind-boggling amounts of waste in landfills every year.
Use organic face paints when getting dressed up — or better yet — make your own. There are lots of recipes for face paint online, like this recipe list from the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics that includes ways to make your own lipstick and face paint.
Keep the lighting to a minimum. It helps set a spooky mood while reducing your carbon footprint a little. For a dramatic effect, light candles instead of turning lights on.
Also, be careful not to drop any chocolate on the ground. If it happens, don’t just leave it. Pets or other animals could eat this and get sick. Some animals, like dogs, can die from eating chocolate.
Being mindful of the environment is something that shouldn’t depend on the season. Make sure to remember these tips and have a Green Halloween this year and every year.