>Please welcome my guest Lynn Colwell…
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Today I have a treat for you! Please welcome Lynn Colwell, co-author of the book Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family. I love Halloween! And I know some of you will think its shameful, lol, but its always been one of my favorite holidays. Lynn’s sharing some great ideas not only for a fun but greener Halloween.
Halloween Ideas for an EEK-o-friendly event
by Lynn Colwell

Greener Halloween costume ideas:
· Set up or participate in a costume swap, public or private. Swaps are no-cost and fun. You can find a swap or register one at the National Costume Swap Day site.
· Challenge your kids to make their costumes from items you already have. We bet you’ll be surprised and delighted with their creativity.
· If you’re going to use face paints, make sure they are chemical free. Search the internet for alternatives.
Greener Halloween party ideas:
· Stage a progressive party for your friends where each house in the neighborhood offers a different craft or other activity along with a healthier treat.
· Fill a suitcase with odds and ends, then have kids make costumes and model in a fashion show. A prize for the winner could be first in line for treats.
· Choose party foods that reflect the colors of the holiday and season: Black: olives, black beans, poppy seeds, raisins/currants
Orange: bell peppers, oranges, carrots, squash, sweet potato/yams, tomato
Green: green apples, herbs, bell peppers, leafy greens, broccoli, kiwi, celery, avocado, peas/beans
Seasonal: pumpkins, acorn squash, butternut squash, sweet potato, cabbage, apples, pears
Orange: bell peppers, oranges, carrots, squash, sweet potato/yams, tomato
Green: green apples, herbs, bell peppers, leafy greens, broccoli, kiwi, celery, avocado, peas/beans
Seasonal: pumpkins, acorn squash, butternut squash, sweet potato, cabbage, apples, pears
· When choosing party favors, look for items that are made locally, made from eco-friendlier materials including recycled, and that can be recycled ore re-purposed. For a long list seeGreenHalloween.org.
Greener Halloween treat ideas
· Kids actually don’t want only candy in their bags. They are happy with a wide range of inexpensive choices. So offer a choice. Fill a large bowl with a variety of items including candy if you like (but choosing organic is best), then let each child choose her favorite.
· If you’re giving out conventional candy, it’s still helpful to have a choice and give out one or two instead of handfuls.
· Believe it or not, the top rated alternative among hundreds of children from 4-14 when asked to choose from among two dozen items—was feathers! Think about the “treasures” you find in your children’s pockets. This will give you a better view from their perspective on items they might like.
· For a list of alternatives to conventional candy, check this out.
Greener Halloween games:
· Any activity you can do that does not require you to buy something new is going to be green.
· Use games you already know but add a Halloween twist, i.e. play musical chairs using Halloween music. Play pin the nose on the witch with noses the kids make themselves.
· Make a game out of sorting items for the trash and composting. Let everyone know you’re aiming for a no-waste event when you invite them. Instead of throwing away candy wrappers, make bracelets or purses from them before kids leave the party.
Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson are mother and daughter and authors of Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family and founders of Green Halloween. The book and their websites, www.CelebrateGreen.net and www.GreenHalloween.org are jam-packed with quick, affordable, fun ideas for celebrating green all year long.
Lynn