Be Green This Halloween with our useful hints and tips.

Costumes

Make your own costume or buy one at a second-hand shop. Have a look in your local Oxfam or other charity shops for second hand costumes or materials to create your own. You could even find something second hand on Ebay or Freecycle.

Remember, the traditional old white sheet still makes a great ghost.


Trick or Treat

Instead of sweets and chocolates which usually come with lots of waste packaging, why not give out healthier, packaging free treats such as apples, oranges etc.
For a nice change, why not give out useful, usable things such as crafts, toys etc.
Instead of using paper or plastic disposable bags to collect treats, use or buy a recyclable bag.


Food

Serve local, healthy and seasonal foods at your events - the options are endless. Use organic apples and sugar for your toffee apples. Remember pumpkins are not just decorative items. Reduce food waste by making use of all pumpkin parts. After carving a pumpkin, make sure to save the seeds. Bake them and serve them to party guests or feed them to the birds. Pumpkin flesh is great for making pies, soups and even lasagne! Check out local farm shops and markets or try Free Range Review to find local food to you!
Use re-usable plates, cups, utensils, napkins and tablecloths. Paper party goods can be expensive and just add more clutter to our nation's landfills. Check out Ecotopia's range of eco tableware!

Other

• Decorations – store for next year when not needed.

• Walk – don’t drive. Trick or Treat by foot. Use public transport for parties etc.

• Keep hold of sweet wrappers etc until home to put in bin.

Experience nature. - Visit a pumpkin farm, pick fresh apples, talk a long walk outside, look up at the sky and see the moon and stars, remember, it's Halloween.

Light the way with the eco friendly wind up Bat Torch, available now from Nigel’s Eco Store.

Happy Halloween!