Living Green
Five Tips for an Eco-Friendly Halloween
By Christine Smith
Halloween, October 31st, is right around the corner and is another perfect time to create new green-friendly family customs and rituals.
But, before the tips, what exactly is Halloween? According to Wikipedia, Halloween has roots in the Celtic festival of Samhain and the Christian holiday All Saints’ Day, but is today largely a secular celebration. The more I researched, the more I decided to let you explore on your own. Who knew Halloween had so much history? For those of you who are history buffs, check out http://www.history.com/topics/halloween.
Here are five ways that you and your family can participate in an eco-friendly Halloween.
1) Buy local pumpkins.
Buying your pumpkins within your community will support your local pumpkin patch or farmers market. The result is that your Jack O’ Lantern travels less distance, uses less gas, and in turn produces less carbon dioxide emissions. Additionally, buying locally eliminates the middleman, increasing profits for local farmers. When at the farmers market or pumpkin patch don’t forget to pick up some squash, gourds, corn stalks, and hay for green friendly decorations.
2) Have a costume exchange party.
This is new to me – but it sounds like fun! Simply, gather all your costumes around your house and invite friends, family members, and neighbors to do the same. For invitation, send an e-mail. Designate a room in your home where you will place all the costumes. As guests arrive, have them place their costumes in the “costume dress-up room”. Once everyone has arrived have the children dress up in the costumes and pick their favorite for a “dress-up show”. Serve drinks and food to complete your party. Also, be sure to check out your community centers, local non-profits, and schools as some host costume exchange parties. For more on costume exchanges, check out http://parent-child-activities.suite101.com/article.cfm/have_a_halloween_costume_exchange.
3) Burn soy candles in your Jack O’ Lanterns.
Wax candles are made from petroleum. When burned they omit the equivalent of diesel exhaust. Natural soy or beeswax candles are healthier and don’t pollute the air.
4) Walk with your trick or treaters.
This seems pretty basic, but you would be amazed at how many parents drive their kids from neighborhood to neighborhood. If you have to drive, carpool to reduce traffic and air pollution.
5) Use a canvas bag.
Don’t buy another plastic pumpkin bucket for trick or treating. Save money and the environment by using any tote, pillow case, or basket that you have around the house. Have some fun and decorate it to give it a bit of Halloween spirit. Christine Smith is founder of www.smurkmedia.com, as well as the Director of Marketing for Fine Lions, Inc. Smurk Media is a digital media communications firm servicing clients nationwide with a variety of services from its headquarters in West Palm Beach, Florida. Established in 2010, the firm specializes in email marketing by creating consistent branding and messaging. Fine Lions specializes in a proprietary Eco-friendly wood graining process that is applied to non wood products to give them the appearance of natural wood. This earth conscious application may be done on exterior and interior doors, garage doors, kitchen and bath cabinets, as well as other surfaces. To learn more visit www.finelions.com.