Green Your Halloween (Part 2)
Here are some of our favorite tips to green your Halloween!
Costumes
Do you generally buy a brand new costume, wear it once, and stash it away in the closet for years? Do you buy seasonal costumes that are full of toxins? It’s time to save some money, revere your health, and green your Halloween experience. Instead of buying a costume, rent one. Salt Lake City has a variety of places where you can rent a costume.
For adults and kids alike, be creative and make one from finds at a second hand store! Salt Lake City has several types of stores to choose from: Savers, Uptown Cheapskate and Deseret Industries all sell gently-used clothing.
Looking for last minute inspiration? There are about a million ideas on Pinterest.
Trick-or-Treating
For those going out:
- Remember to bring something reusable to carry the candy in. A cloth grocery bag works well and is easy to carry. Pillowcases or a small bucket work well too!
For those staying in:
- Hand out something tasty and healthy! Fruits and veggies (e.g. apples, baby carrots, grapes) are always a good choice and require minimal (if any) packaging. Organic fruit snacks are easier on the teeth than candy and are still delicious. Have you considered packets of granola, organic juice boxes or dried fruits?
- There are plenty of non-food items that can be handed out too! Stickers, crayons, toothpastes and toothbrushes, beads and bean bags are all treats. Don’t forget pencils!
Things to Avoid
- Most children’s face paints are full of toxic heavy metals (e.g. lead, nickel, and chromium). Manufacturers don’t include these on the package label. Make your own food-based make-up with these DIY Recipes.
- Foods that contain high amounts of corn syrup/sugar, hydrogenated oils, or artificial colors and flavors.
- Purchasing new costumes.
- Purchasing a container to hold Halloween treats.
- Handing out cheap petroleum-based, plastic toys.
For More Information On Greening Your Halloween
Above all, have a safe, happy and green Halloween!
