Halloween - can it be green?
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Halloween is yet again very soon upon us - where the madness of must purchase sweets, chocolates, other goodies not forgetting that all important new outfit.
So why not consider a greener option - reusing items that you already have, reducing the amount of waste you put out and looking at how you can save on reusing old clothing and other items to make a wacky outfit.
Similar to Christmas, Easter and even birthday's the amount of waste - pre production of an item through to the finished product can be quite shocking. And Halloween is indeed another time of the year that is adding to the excess of waste - whether it is physical rubbish and even waste of money when resources are available for cheaper options.
So what if you considered a Greener more environmentally friendly option? Is it possible you ask? Indeed it is!
Below are some simple and practical tips for a Green Halloween.
- Costumes - one of the most important aspects of Halloween. It seems that costumes can either make or break the fashionista friends you have or set you roaring ahead as a trend setter! Look at recycling what you have around - the old sheet is great for ghosts who may not have a sewing machine or a needle. For those who have, dig out the sequin outfits that have been in the cupboard for a while, even combine layered clothing.
Any costumes from last year - try and redesign using something or just wear it again. Perhaps a swishing event for Halloween would be fun instead? Just because particular high street stores are selling new outfits for £10.00 or more or even less - why not look and reuse and reduce the amount of clothing waste?
- Halloween invites - reuse old carboard from cereal boxes, send emails to people instead, or even still pick up the phone and invite your friends
- Nibbles and goodies - encourage your friends to bring along a plate of something themselves using local, fairtrade produce (a good fairtrade hot chocolate drink with a drop of organic rum does wonders to warm one up), why not bring your own plates or containers - to save the waste of paper plates, cups and even the rubbish, where you buy your food items from encourage your supermarket, store to reduce their packaging by returning the wrapping back (Helps to show that you don't like the amount of plastic waste and why can't they consider green wrapping/packaging options when there is a wide range of environmentally friendly packaging)
- Reuse bags for collections of goodies - whether it is cloth bags, old pillow cases (get the children to design a picture/pattern on the pillow case), buy cloth bags and let children have fun designing their own on the front. You can get environmentally friendly paints for textiles
- Make your own goodies - how about make your own chocolates - fun event the night before Halloween, make cookies instead and other healthier options. Pumpkin scones with nutmeg are lovely - add a dollop of homemade jam perhaps and heh presto, even a pumpkin soup. Try and use what is locally available at the time.
- Pumpkins - is there any local farmers close by where you can go and pick your own pumpkin? Perhaps even grow your own pumpkin for next year instead?
- Walk, bike, scooter or even co-share transport
- Most important, dress up warm, be safe and have fun!
Remember, just because it is a Green option - it doesn't have to be more expensive - it can be fun by reusing items, making your own and overall sharing ideas.
Take care and have fun!
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