You Can Have a "Green" Halloween

Halloween is spooky by nature, but it doesn't have to be a scary time for the environment.

That's according to an article on the website about.com that says you can have a jack-o-lantern full of Halloween fun while also helping to protect and preserve the planet.

The article offers the following tips for celebrating Halloween in a more earth-friendly way:

• Have children trick or treat with cloth or canvas bags, pillowcases or other containers that don't need to be discarded after use.
• Ensure children keep candy wrappers in trick-or-treat bags/containers until they return home or dispose of wrappers in trash cans along the route to prevent litter.
• Design and make do-it-yourself costumes from old clothes and other items already around the house. You can also get inexpensive costume materials from thrift stores or yard sales.
• Offer eco-friendly treats such as organic chocolate and lollipops or items that use little or no packaging. When possible, buy locally made treats because doing so reduces fuel consumption and pollution associated with transporting products. Another option is to give useful treats such as colorful pencils,crayons, erasers in unusual shapes or other inexpensive items found at discount stores.
• When trick or treating, have children walk instead of ride to cut fuel consumption and air pollution. If you're attending a Halloween party, use public transportation, car pool or ride a bicycle.
• Throw environmentally accommodating Halloween parties that feature organic, locally grown pumpkins for carving, apples for bobbing and other pesticide-free, locally grown foods. Also, use dishes, cutlery, napkins and tablecloths that can be washed and reused instead of disposable plastic and paper tableware. Use recycled and recyclable materials to create Halloween decorations.