Our Environmental Stewardship Team is on a mission this year to educate our members about how to reduce our carbon footprints. This month’s topic is greening your Halloween celebration, an article contributed by Jaimie Deye!
TIPS FOR A GREENER HALLOWEEN
1. Pumpkins. Purchase organic pumpkins and gourds at local farms. Save the seeds to roast, use the insides for baking. Compost the pumpkins afterwards, even if you just smash them and bury them in the garden. Maybe next year you can grow your own pumpkins!
2. Decorations. Use natural decorations (pumpkins, gourds, cornstalks etc), repurposed (old stockings into spider webs, cardboard boxes into tombs, sheets into ghosts, etc), or past decorations. Try not to buy new decorations.
3. Parties. Send electronic invites, use glassware and washable utensils (recyclable or compostable if not), cloth napkins and tablecloths and set out recycling bins. Try to use organic or locally grown food, and compost during prep.
4. Costumes. Go for vintage, reused, or DIY costumes. Check at thrift shops, consignment stores, yard sales, or trade with friends and family. Turn this into an activity where you and your kid(s) try to create a fun costume with reused clothing. Donate your old costumes or swap with neighbors after Halloween.
5. Treats. Choose organic, non-GMO candy. Look for natural ingredients; no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. Give out usable items with minimal packaging like pencils, polished stones, or temporary tattoos. If using single-serve packets, set a limit and give out less candy than in previous years. After Halloween, donate candy to a good cause; many dentist offices will take them, or Operation Gratitude.
6. Bags. Use re-usable buckets or bags, pillowcases, etc. Decorating a reused bag could be a fun family activity.
7. Trick-or-treat. Walk or bike around, don’t drive to each destination. Get to know your neighbors and cut back on your carbon emissions.
