Halloween for Greenies
Thursday, October 30th, 2008If you’re like many parents, you want your kids to enjoy Halloween, but you’re uneasy with the emphasis on candy.
Well, it doesn’t have to be that way. Over the last two years, we’ve discovered dozens and dozens of ways to enjoy Halloween without all the focus on loot. In fact, it’s not only possible, it’s becoming a trend! (And, we expect, one that’s here to stay.) Here are our five top ideas for celebrating a green Halloween. For the dozens more great ideas, check out www.GreenHalloween.org.
1. Focus on fun. Generally, when people think about Halloween, the first thing that comes to mind is candy. But it doesn’t have to be that way. How about planning a party with an emphasis on games that goblins of all ages are sure to enjoy. Dunking for apples is a classic—and hilarious to boot. You can also have your guests use 
non-toxic crayons to paint each other’s faces—with their eyes closed! Instead of trick-or-treating for candy, plan a Halloween scavenger hunt with your neighbors. Doing so at night with flashlights adds to the fun. Shakable flashlights makes the hunt eco-cool. Focusing on fun – rather than stuff is not only healthier and more earth-friendly, it makes for wonderful memories.
2. Choose treats you and your kids can enjoy. No, we’re not suggesting that you hand out candy that both of you can agree on. We’re encouraging you to choose from the many healthy and healthier goodies now on the market (with more being released every day), that are parent and kid approved. And with natural and healthy food and essentials stores popping up around the country like dandelions in the lawn (in a good way), finding treats like honey or agave sticks, fruit leathers, organic chocolate “bites” or all natural gum is a snap.
3. Consider treasures. “Treasures” are non-edible goodies that trick-or-treaters will love. Think they won’t? While we have yet to meet a child who would rather have conventional candy once he or she sees alternatives, we know your experience will speak louder than ours. So, this year, try putting your conventional candy choice in one bowl and in the other, a mix of the types of treasures we suggest such as polished stones, temporary tattoos or seed packets. (Why not check the extensive list at Green Halloween and allow your children be your guide as to what they think will be most popular?) Offer the kids a choice and see what happens.
4. Less is more. When we were kids, receiving one piece of candy at each home was the norm. Today, trick-or-treaters receive handfuls. Not only is this costly for this generation’s health and the health of the planet, giving out supersized quantities is expensive, too. This year, try giving just one of whatever you select. Or, allow the children to choose, “just one special (make a big deal of this part) treat.” You’ll be as amazed as we were to find that when it’s done with fun in mind, reducing actually encourages children’s excitement and gratitude.
5. Give yourself a treat and remember that you don’t have to do it all to make a big difference. New healthy and green steps will be more sustainable if you can find ways to enjoy the process and celebrate your baby steps. So, this year, consider starting where you are and with whatever choice or choices inspire your family most. Whether you make your own face paints, hold a party in a retirement home or carve (and eat) locally grown pumpkins, it’s really all about the “spirit” of going green. Celebrate what works for you!
Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson are mother and daughter and the authors of Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Celebrations, Holidays and Traditions for the Whole Family, available at www.CelebrateGreen.NET. Pictures provided by ©2008 Holli Dunn.
Here’s hoping there are more treats than tricks in your goodie bag!
