Make your child's Halloween costume a bit more eeek-o-friendly this year.
There are plenty of ways to come up with a creative get-up without buying a new costume.
Plus, there are a few popular Halloween accessories that you might want to consider avoiding this season.
Here are my Top 5 Ways to Green Your Halloween Costume so you can Do Your Part during the spookiest time of the year.
1. Take part in a costume swap
Costume swaps are taking place all over the country this year. You can host a swap party with family and friends or visit GreenHalloween.org to find out how you can participate in National Costume Swap Day.
You'll not only give once-used costumes a longer life, but you'll also be saving a whole lot of money by not buying a new one.
2. Go to Goodwill
Goodwill is a Halloween enthusiast's playground. Whether you're looking for an outrageous outfit, costume jewelry, or fancy dress shoes to complete your Halloween vision, you're sure to find it here and all for a steal.
3. Seek out nontoxic make-up
Ban toxic Halloween make-up from your costume. Color additives used in make-up are to be approved by the FDA, so look for that on the label.
You can see the entire list of approved color additives at DoYourPart.com/Columns.
You also will find a link to The Environmental Working Group's website where you can find a variety of safe, homemade make-up recipes.
And one last note, at the end of the night make sure to wash your face several times to remove all that ghoulish make-up.
4. Watch the teeth!
We've all heard plenty about the potential dangers of certain kinds of flexible plastic that can contain hormone-disrupting phthalates.
Some of the plastic considered dangerous is used to make Halloween masks and those fake teeth you see so many people putting in their mouths. Best to avoid these when planning costumes for children.
5. Don't buy another plastic pumpkin
We see them on the arms of so many cute kids -- those plastic pumpkins to collect trick or treat goodies.
Instead of buying another plastic pumpkin, have your child bring along something reusable instead. It could be a pillowcase or a reusable shopping bag.
They can even make a "custom" bag out of one of their favorite T-shirts. It's quick and easy and available at DoYourPart.com/Columns.
No matter what the kids, young or old, decide to be this year, you can Do Your Part to go green when creating the perfect costume. Happy Halloween!
Bennett is an eco-expert and author of "Do Your Part," a practical guide for everyday green living available at DoYourPart.com.
AP story section
October 24, 2012
Top 5 ways to green your Halloween costume
- AP story section
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