How to Be Green on Halloween

Halloween is a favorite holiday for many. It’s a time to let loose, dress up in fun or scary costumes, and eat a ton of candy that might make your mom cry out in terror. It’s also a time when waste is widespread. Think for a second about all the waste we produce on Halloween — the candy wrappers, chemically-enhanced makeups, toilet paper, and more.

Skip Individually Wrapped Candies

Yes, we know it’s a ton of fun to dump out a full bag of mixed candy for the kids. When you think about it, it’s also a lot of waste. All those candy wrappers will wind up in a landfill, after all.

Depending on local regulations surrounding Halloween, you may get away with baked goods or popcorn balls as a treat. When you make a homemade sweet, don’t forget to wrap it in recyclable paper.

The best tip we can offer for a green Halloween is to avoid high-fructose corn syrup and artificial flavors. While tasty, they’re not healthy for anyone.

Green Makeup Options

Most don’t realize the chemicals or testing procedures that go into each tube of lipstick or eyeliner. One foundation, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, educates the masses on safe, eco-friendly makeup options for Halloween and beyond.

Most makeup, especially face paint around the holidays, contain lead and trace amounts of heavy metals. In large quantities, both can make you ill and harm the environment.

Natural Halloween Decorations

Step into any supermarket or dollar store in October, and you’ll discover an aisle or two dedicated to Halloween decorations. They come in all shapes and sizes, but most are plastic and wasteful.

If you’re decorating your home and yard for Halloween, consider choosing natural decorations instead. A few brightly colored leaves from the backyard, carved pumpkins, or a homemade wreath for the front door will really make your home pop!

Pumpkin Seeds Are a Tasty Treat

When carving a pumpkin, you’re liable to toss out the innards. But wait! Instead of throwing away the good stuff, why not roast those pumpkin seeds in the oven. They’re a tasty treat the kids are sure to love, and you’ll waste less of the pumpkin. It’s a win-win!

Donate!

Do you have unwanted decorations, furniture, or building materials set aside for Halloween or other projects around the home? You’re not alone. If you’re tired of all the excess, consider donating this holiday season to spread some of the spooky cheer to those in need.

Join the movement to celebrate an eco-friendly Halloween this year. Call Green Donation Consultants at 800-870-3965 to donate unwanted materials to a charity in need!