Published by Allison Wolff for Eco Child’s Play on October 15, 2009

Halloween, like many other holidays, is a love-hate day for me. I love the tradition, the fun of dressing up as someone or something completely different from myself, the excitement of walking the streets in the dark, leaves blowing, trying to figure out who is hiding under each costume, and, of course, gorging on piles of candy just before bedtime (of course I only did that as a kid). As I’ve become a concerned “greenie” mother, however, I am growing to hate holidays that fuel the consumption of toxic materials and goodies that ain’t so good for the planet or our bodies.

That said, I am the mother of a 15-month-old girl and, in an effort to not be a complete crumudgeon, I thought I would do some research to find eco-acceptable costumes and planet- and body-better goodies. Here are a few good finds:

1. Eco-friendly, non-disposable costumes: Rather than buying a disposable plastic costume from the toy or drug store, get a high-quality costume that you or your kids can wear for years or pass on to siblings or friends. Check out these Silk Fairy Wings by Sarah’s Silks,  Silk costumes from Magic Cabin, Tom Arma’s adorable and durable baby costumes (though not made from eco-friendly materials), or make your own costume from eco-friendly silk, recycled paper, and non-toxic face paints. Also, don’t forget to cruise eBay, Craig’s List, or your local consignment/second hand store for great pre-owned costumes, or set up a costume swap with your community of friends. Lastly, send your kids out with an eco-friendly tote like these that you can reuse for many halloweens to come – or groceries.
2. Planet-friendly, Fair Trade decorations: Start by choosing an organic pumpkin to carve, and don’t throw any of it out…see this list of yummy pumpkin recipes including little known pumpkin cider, pumpkin milkshake, pumkin casserole, and more! Use Pipel Picado Mexican skeleton streamers in your haunted house. Use natural beeswax candles (vs. petroleum-based) in your pumpkins and to light the pathway to your door. Make a home-made ghost to hang from a tree or doorway out of an old sheet, newspaper (for the head) and a rubber band.
3. Organic, Fair Trade-even educational candy: Check out these Fair Trade, organic chocolate mini bars and Fair Trade gold coins from Global Exchange…just like the ones we had as kids only the chocolate is grown by a Fair Trade farm cooperative in Ghana. Consider handing out organic  Frutabu rollups (kids love them and their parents will thank you for giving out something semi healthy) or some of the many organic treats at The Natural Candy Store.

I’d love to hear from others what ideas they have for creating a more people and planet friendly halloween.