Ever thought of a Green Halloween?
This Halloween, think treasures, instead of candy. Children love little trinkets like spinning tops, stickers and collectable cards. Think keepsakes, tokens and stocking-stuffer type gifts but don’t forget to think healthy and green. Although non-food items are generally healthier than food items, try to avoid non-recycled plastic toys.
What makes a green Halloween? Look for items that are organic or pesticide-free. Food items do not include hydrogenated oils, trans-fats, artificial colors or flavors. The items have limited or no salt, sugar or caffeine (including chocolate).
Non-food items are made from safe materials and do not pose any suspected immediate or long-term health risks.
Always bring your own cloth or recycled plastic bags with you when shopping for food, gifts, treats or treasures. Of course, if you can walk, ride your bike, carpool, or take public transportation, you’ll leave an even smaller eco-footprint behind. We have lots of ideas to consider for when ghosts and goblins come knocking at your door.
Food treats:
Organic juice boxes
Organic apple sauce snack packs
Organic fruit leather
Boxes of organic raisins and other organic dried fruits.
Raw or roasted nuts (ask parents before giving out nuts due to allergies)
Organic granola/breakfast bars.
Bags of unpopped microwave popcorn
Individually wrapped pieces of dark chocolate
Naturally sweetened lollipops
Non-food treats:
Adhesive "bandages" with pirate, black cat and other fun themes (one per child. Great for older kids!)
Barrettes or other hair things
Beads
Bells
Charms
Coins (US or non-US)
Fake jewels (lead free)
Glass beads
Jokes
Small containers of modeling clay or dough
Printed items like word games, word search or cross word puzzles
Seashells
Seed Packets
Crayons or pencils
Spinning tops
Stickers
Temporary tattoos
Toothpaste
Notepads
Shoelaces in bright colors
Magnets
Whistles
Published 09/12/08
