SWANCCOctober 2012
SWANCC Elist for Educators
Tips for a Green Halloween 
 
Have a Green HalloweenQuite often with Holiday celebrations, additional waste is generated. This year, make sure that your Halloween is as green and waste-free as possible by following some simple tips:
 
 Make your own costume from things around the
        house - old clothes, game pieces, sport team items, something from the
        recycling bin, etc., or purchase items from a resale shop. 
 
 If make-up is used instead of a mask, purchase non-toxic or
        hypoallergenic cosmetics. 
 
 After using costumes, trade with a friend, start a "costume closet" at
        school, church or home to share next year, or donate the costumes
        to a favorite charity. 
 
 When buying candy, look for treats with minimal packaging - or give
        pencils, erasers or money. 
 
 Send your children out with a reusable bucket, canvas bag or pillowcase. 
 
 Don't be a litter bug, dispose of candy wrappers in your bags, buckets or
        trash cans along the way. 
 
 Stay local to trick-or-treat, bike, wagon or carpool. 
 
 Use rechargeable batteries in your flashlight for trick-or-treating. 
 
 Don't throw away the pumpkin seeds - bake and eat, or put outdoors for
        the birds and animals. 
 
 Put a soy or natural beeswax candle in your Jack-o'-lanterns, or use a
        battery-operated light, with rechargeable batteries, of course. 
 
 As your pumpkin grows old, put in your yard for animals to eat, or put
        into compost pile. 
 
 Make your own luminaries from old cans with a pattern of hole punches. 
 
 Keep Halloween decorations from year to year so you don't need to
        purchase new ones each season. 
 
 If you are hosting a Halloween party, used reusable dishes, tableware,
        cups napkins, etc.  Serve from a pitcher instead of individual bottles and 
        cans.Make a mystery punch with your favorite juices/pop, and add dry
        ice for a spooky effect. Instead of paper invitations, send an electronic
        invite to your guests.
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