Green Halloween

Go Green This Halloween

Halloween can be a great excuse to throw a party and have a good time, but its impact on the environment can be scary if not planned correctly. From invitations to costumes and even the treats, it is possible to hold a spooktacular event without creating a trash monster.

Invitations

Getting the word out about the gathering is critical to having a good turnout, but sending paper invitations to guests can be wasteful. Look for other options.

• Go digital – Send guests an e-mail invitation. There are a variety of ways to dress them up and add Halloween-themed graphics or photos. Several websites also provide templates invitations that can be personalized and sent out.
• Dual purpose – For guests that do not have e-mail, decorate a canvas or paper bag with all the details and let them know they should bring it to the party to use for taking leftovers or treats home afterward.
• Paper – If traditional invitations are desired, look for ones using recycled paper or those made from a sustainable resource other than trees, such as hemp.

Costumes

Pretending to be someone, or something, else is all part of the fun of a Halloween party. However, buying a new costume just for the event is expensive and wasteful. Include some of these suggestions on the guest invitations so everybody is on the same page.

• Make your own – Look in the closet for clothes that aren’t worn anymore and come up with an idea for a costume. Thrift stores are also a great source of second-hand clothing. Once used, the costumes can be donated back to the thrift stores for further use, rather than being tossed away. This will also ensure the costume is original.
• Recycle – If costumes have been bought in the past, mix and match different parts of them to create something completely new and fresh.

Decorations

Creating the appropriately spooky atmosphere is critical to a successful Halloween party.

• Lighting – Candles, when used safely, provide perfect mood lighting. To be as environmentally safe as possible, buy candles made from beeswax or sustainably-produced soy. Avoid those made from petroleum.
• Use nature – Jack-o-lanterns are a traditional part of fall and can be incorporated into the décor. They can provide some additional lighting and can be composted after the party, or the season, is over.

Treats

Food and sweat treats will be expected at the celebration, but that doesn’t necessarily mean buying dozens of bags of candy.

• Organic – Look for candy that uses all natural ingredients or bake cookies using organic ones.
• Reduce waste – Look for items that have recyclable wrappers.
• Make it seasonal – Seek out foods that are specialties of the season, usually containing apples or pumpkins. Set out a veggie tray using garden vegetables or those bought at a local farmers market.Halloween began as a celebration of the fall harvest so it only makes sense to be aware of the natural environment when throwing a festive party. With a little advance planning and creativity, an eco-themed party can be a lot of fun and leave a minimal footprint on the planet.

This is a guest post by Emma Wilton, who is looking forward to her eco-friendly Halloween party. She has used halloweenpartyideas.org to get some ideas for traditional party games and homemade foods.