Halloween is an exciting holiday that many families look forward to every year. Everyone enjoys the thrill of spooky trick-or-treaters and the delight of eerie decorations. However, Halloween can also lead to significant waste and the use of environmentally harmful treats and decorations.
Many Halloween items are single-use, synthetic, and cheaply made, which can be concerning for eco-conscious families. How can you avoid the frightful waste and toxic additives often associated with this festive occasion? Here are some sustainable tips to consider.
Costumes
Many store-bought costumes are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which can leach harmful chemicals during use. Phthalates are added to PVC to enhance flexibility and softness, but prolonged exposure is linked to reproductive and developmental issues. If you decide to buy a costume, be sure to check the label to confirm it is PVC-free.
Costume Swap
Instead of buying new costumes, consider hosting or attending a local costume swap. Participants can bring their gently used costumes and trade them for something new-to-them. Costumes are typically worn just a few times, making swaps a smart choice for savings and sustainability.
Thrift Store Finds
If a costume swap isn’t an option, explore your local thrift store or even your own closet for clothing that can be transformed into a creative costume. Look at items with fresh eyes—those ripped jeans could become a quirky scarecrow outfit, or that bright bridesmaid dress might turn into a beautiful princess gown. With some sewing or even just safety pins, thrifted pieces can be easily transformed into unique, eco-friendly costumes.
Makeup
Makeup is often a highlight of Halloween costumes, but be cautious about what’s used on your child’s skin. A 2009 study by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics found that all tested face paints contained lead and other heavy metals, which can lead to serious health issues. While Canada has banned lead in cosmetics, it may still be found in products from other countries, and potential toxins might not always be listed on ingredient labels.
A great alternative is to skip makeup entirely! Let your child embrace their natural look and use color sparingly for their hair and costume. If you do choose to use face paint, select toxic-free mineral makeup with organic ingredients, avoiding artificial dyes.
You can also make your own Halloween makeup by mixing equal parts cornstarch and natural skin lotion, dyeing it with everyday food items like coffee grounds or juice. For a fake blood substitute, mix corn syrup with a little liquid castile soap and natural food coloring.
Decorations
Creating a spooktacular Halloween atmosphere can be exciting, but consider using natural materials like straw bales, gourds, branches, and dried leaves instead of plastic decorations. If you’re carving pumpkins, save the seeds to roast later for a delicious snack and compost the insides for a sustainable touch.
Opt for decorative LED lights rather than traditional incandescent string lights. LEDs are more energy-efficient, cooler to the touch, and are safer, reducing the risk of burns or fires. They also last longer, allowing you to enjoy them for many Halloweens to come.
Treats
Candy is a Halloween staple, but many treats are filled with sugar and questionable ingredients. Instead of handing out conventional candy, consider offering organic snacks made from wholesome ingredients or non-food items like eco-friendly toys or craft supplies.
If your children collect a pile of sugary treats, suggest they trade some for a toy or organic goodies of their choice during a special outing together. You could also introduce the fun concept of the “Switch Witch,” who trades junk food for a surprise gift overnight!
Halloween should be a time of fun, not fear when it comes to your family’s health or eco-friendly values. By making a few changes to your decorations and the products you choose, you can celebrate a healthy, safe Halloween for both your family and the visiting trick-or-treaters. Add a touch of green to your orange and black this year for a truly happy and eco-friendly Halloween!
Trick or Treat!
Here are some healthy treat alternatives to offer this Halloween:
- Fair trade, organic chocolate
- Honey sticks
- Organic gummy snacks
- Organic jelly beans
- Organic raisins or dried cranberries
- Pencils or stickers
- Small, eco-friendly toys
