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Make your child’s Halloween costume a bit more eeek-o-friendly this year.
Come up with a creative get-up without buying something new.
Here are my “Top 5 Ways to Green Your Halloween Costume” so you can Do Your Part during the spookiest time of the year.
• Take part in a costume swap
You can host your own swap party with family and friends or visit GreenHalloween.org to find out how you can participate in National Costume Swap Day.
• Go to Goodwill
Goodwill is a Halloween enthusiast’s playground. Stop in to put together an outrageous outfit, find costume jewelry or fancy dress shoes to complete your Halloween vision. You’re likely to get it all for a steal.
• Use nontoxic makeup
Some products are safer than others. Check the label to be sure color additives in Halloween makeup have been approved by the FDA. See a list of approved color additives at DoYourPart.com/Columns. You will also find a link to The Environmental Working Group’s website. It includes recipes for homemade makeup.
• Watch the teeth!
Reports are circulating about the potential dangers of some types of flexible plastic. The culprit is a hormone-disrupting substance called phthalates. Some of the plastic considered dangerous can be used to make Halloween masks and those fake teeth that are popular this time of year. Best to avoid these items.
• Don’t buy a plastic pumpkin
We see them on the arm of so many cute kids for collecting trick-or-treat goodies. Instead of buying one, have your child bring along a pillowcase or a reusable shopping bag. One more option: Make a bag out of an old T-shirt. Find out more at DoYourPart.com/Columns.
No matter what the kids decide to be this year, you can Do Your Part to go green when creating the perfect costume. Happy Halloween!
