HAVE A GREEN HALLOWEEN
HAVE A GREEN HALLOWEEN
The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) today recommended several ideas for trick- or-treaters and treat givers this Halloween to add more green to the orange and black holiday.
Article provided by: The Environmental Defense Fund
- "Give your children canvas bags or pillow cases to carry treats instead of disposable bags. Using durable bags is a great idea any time of year, and at Halloween, they eliminate those disposable bags that tear and lead to unhappy trick-or-treaters," said Jackie Prince Roberts, senior scientist.
- "Make sure that children know not to litter candy wrappers."
- "Another idea to protect the environment is to make a costume from old clothes at home, instead of buying a disposable one from a store. This way you can scare your neighbors without spooking Mother Nature," said Roberts.
- "When planning a Halloween party, use reuseable utensils, plates, napkins and tablecloths instead of disposable ones.
- Also, when you are shopping for Halloween candy, buy candy that uses the least amount of packaging.
- Look for recycled content on wrapper labels and carry reusable bags to put your groceries in," Roberts said.
- EDF recommends walking, riding a bike, or using public transportation for Halloween parties or trick- or-treating. If you have to drive, carpool and help reduce traffic and air pollution.
- "Fall is a great time to start backyard composting. Check with your town or local hardware store or garden center for help getting started. Backyard composting is a great way to recycle organic materials such as food scraps, leaves and yard clippings, and you can compost those leftover pumpkins after Halloween. A backyard bin is a lot more convenient than bagging leaves for pickups. You get great soil for gardening, and you can compost all winter long -- even in cold climates," said Roberts.
- "Also, try to re-use Halloween decorations in the same way that Christmas ornaments are used from year-to-year, instead of throwing them away each November first."
- "Most of all, use this holiday to think about your everyday habits and actions to reduce waste 365 days a year. Individual actions can make a huge difference in our future," said Roberts.
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