It’s the spooky season and chances are you’re stocking up on candy and treats for little trick-or-treaters. However, in the midst of all the ghouls and goblins, take a moment to plan a Halloween that is green and eco-friendly too while being seriously spooky!

Here are some green and eco-friendly tips for a Halloween that is high on fun but low on environmental impact and cost:

Ditch the Plastic Costumes

Costumes, regardless of how scary they look, shouldn’t be scary from an environmental perspective. Ditch the costumes made of PVC or soft vinyl and instead, opt for eco-friendly, DIY-style costumes. You’ll be amazed at the wonderful costumes that you can create with some old sheets, craft supplies and a dash of creativity.

Here is a great article on Last Minute Halloween costumes to inspire you instantly.

The other option is to buy used costumes or better still, organize a costume swap with other parents at the school and get cool costumes that can easily be recycled once Halloween is over.

Go Organic with Face Paint

A costume isn’t complete without some face paint but you don’t have to choose those toxic, chemical-laden paints for your kids’ skin this year. Instead, choose a non-toxic color such as the Terra Firma Face Paints offered by Ecomom.com as well as the eco-friendly non-toxic nail polish from Piggy Paint that comes in an aptly titled seasonal set, “Ghouls Just Wanna Have Fun”.

Green Treat Ideas

All that candy during this time will not do anyone good. Least of all, your kids’ teeth. So, this year, instead of doling out candy, get creative and give out small tokens instead. These could include homemade food items – dry fruit or fruit leather, whole food bars or small boxes of organic granola.

The Green Halloween folks have tons of eco-friendly treat ideas listed for you to choose from or you could just choose from these fun Fall treats for Halloween by Megan.

Save Energy During Halloween

All those candles, lights and lamps can quickly add up to a high impact Halloween. So, does that mean you have Halloween without candles and lamps? Actually no. Instead, choose candles that are made of 100% beeswax or soy candles. Use LED or solar lighting if you can instead of regular lamps and lights.

You can also save on energy and fuel consumption by restricting trick-or-treat trips to around the block, on foot and in a group. It is safer, more fun and definitely better for kids and the planet too.

Are you planning a green and eco-friendly Halloween? What tips do you have?

Photo Credit: Sarah Ackerman