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October 30, 2012

Green, Black & Orange: An Eco-Smart Halloween.

Instead of an old fashioned orange and black Halloween celebration, why not add some green to the mix?

Halloween is a day of fancy-free indulgence and make-believe. Gobbled candy, wild costumes, late nights… Can your celebration can still align with eco-smart values and curb over-consumption? If I’m being honest, my family rides the wave of Halloween, and there are several products that aren’t-so-green in our collection. Have you considered non-toxic face paint? Fair-labor chocolates? Totally healthy “treasures” like fair-trade friendship bracelets rather than gooey treats?

Here is a great roundup from Green Halloween, an organization that aims to reach out to children, parents, and educators to demonstrate how to celebrate Halloween in a more environmentally-friendly, socially-responsible, and healthy way.

Green America’s new Green Halloween® program has partnered with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and several product partners to host over 70 events at zoos and aquariums nationwide. Green America is also sharing tips on providing  healthy and sustainable treats for trick-or-treaters and nearly 200 free costume swap events have also been planned across the country until Halloween.

Some major “Green Halloween®” events include:

Washington, DC, Smithsonian National Zoological Park “Boo at the Zoo”
New York, NY, Bronx Zoo/Wildlife Conservation Society “Boo at the Zoo”
Los Angeles, CA, Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens “Boo at the LA Zoo”
Chicago, IL, Chicago Zoological Society – Brookfield Zoo “Boo! at the Zoo”
Detroit, MI, Detroit Zoological Society “Zoo Boo”
Denver, CO, Denver Zoo “Boo at the Zoo”

If you can’t find a Green Halloween-sponsored event in your area, you can organize your own swap or learn about greener treats and “Treasures” online. These DIY suggestions will save resources as you recycle items you already have on hand into fun Halloween treats for your little ones.

Elizabeth O’Connell, campaigns director, Green America, said:

“There are many ways that families can do their part to reduce excess and unhealthy consumption around Halloween. Green Halloween provides easy and family-friendly ways to help families celebrate green, as well as opportunities to participate in fun, eek-o friendly events, at zoos and in the community.”

For additional information about Green Halloween’s “Boo at the Zoo” events visit Green Halloween. For more information about Halloween costume swaps in your state and additional tips on how to set up your own swap, visit Costume Swap over at Green Halloween.

Bonus: A brief history of Halloween. Includes activities and recipes. Enjoy!

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