Tips for a Happy Hallow-green
Even if we're vigilant about following best earth practices in our everyday lives, the hullabaloo of holidays can sometimes cloud our judgment when it comes to being green. Tradition plays a part in this—if you've always celebrated with certain tricks and treats, you'll likely make the same choices as you prep, simply out of habit.This year, pause for a minute and think about your Halloween routine. Could it be greener? Chances are, the answer is yes. Here are a few ways you can celebrate without compromising your eco-conscience.1. Go fair trade with your treats. Equal Exchange has great resources to encourage passing out fair trade treats for Halloween. They also have a Fair Trade Halloween board on Pinterest. Fair trade isn't just trendy, it matters. Not into handing out candy? Give out seed packets! It's the treat that keeps on treating. 2. Costume creatively Everyone has wardrobe pieces that are out of date, tacky, or costume-worthy. Save money and the earth's resources by using the things you already have in your closet to create a Halloween ensemble. (If you're always on trend and have no tacky togs for costuming purposes, a white sheet is a classic and timeworn choice for 'ghosting' around.) Or organize a costume swap! Get together with other families and pass around last year's costumes. If you're looking for something specific, the web is full of creative, original ideas for both you and your kids. Here are a few resources to get your creative juices flowing:7 Easy Upcycled Halloween Costumes for Kids25 Last Minute DIY Halloween Costume IdeasTop 5 Upcycled Halloween Costumes3. Get the most from your gourds. If you're carving a pumpkin for the season, don't just toss the guts! Pumpkin seeds are delicious roasted—here are eight different recipes to choose from. (Compost the stringy, mushy rest!) Then, once it's done prettying up your stoop, your pumpkin can go down several different paths. If it's uncarved and still fresh, bake it up into a pie, or one of these delicious recipes. If your pumpkin is past the point of consumption, composting it will add zinc, phosphorus and iron to the soil. 4. Upgrade your decor with upcycling. Speaking of prettying up your stoop, there's all kinds of decor to deck your fall halls with provided by nature. Colorful leaves and pinecones can make a gorgeous wreath or table centerpiece. For other upcycled decor ideas, from egg carton bats to milk jug skeletons, check out this post, or peruse Pinterest and get crafty!