By Maddie Perlman-Gabel in ENN.com
Halloween Photo via Shutterstock |
With the National Retail Federation expecting Americans to spend 6.9 Billion dollars on Halloween this year, Halloween will most likely be a scene. Whether you dress up or decorate your lawn with monsters and ghouls, there are many ways to think green this Halloween.
Freecycle Your Costume
Most store bought
costumes are either poorly made or kids just grow tired with them after
only one year. Instead of throwing costumes out and having to buy a brand new
one each year instead attend a local Costume Swap Event or use a free swapping
online service like Freecycle.org
Make a Costume Out of
Thrift Shop Finds
If you listen to Macklemore you know that crazy items can be found real cheap at thrift shops. Many people go to thrift shops especially for Halloween. Some thrift shops even have Halloween sections. In fact, according to Goodwill, sales are highest in October, up 10-15%.
One Word, Pillow Cases
Instead of buying
“cute”, one time use candy collection bags for Trick-Or Treating, instead opt
for the old fashioned pillow case. Not only is it reusable but it also stores a
lot of candy.
Reuse Unwanted Candy
Get The Most Out of Your
Pumpkin
Pumpkins have more
functions than just as a scary Jack-O-Lantern. You can use the insides for soup or pie and you can also roast the pumpkin seeds for a delicious snack. When your
Jack-O-Lantern has outstayed it’s welcome, and begins to rot, you can add it to
your compost.
Use Reusable Decorations
or Ones Made From Recyclable Materials
Invest in decorations
that can be reused every year instead of ones that go straight from your yard
to the landfill.
Trick or Treat for a
Cause
Whether going door to
door for Unicef or a more local cause, Trick or Treating with a donations box
is a great way for children to learn about fundraising and helping others.
Be A Cause
Use Halloween to raise
awareness to an important environmental cause. Have fun, be Yosemite Park on it’s birthday or the last moose in North America!
Enjoy!