The Clock is Ticking!

Only 4 more days ’til Halloween!  Here are a few last minute green Halloween ideas to help you put the final touches on your Halloween decorations, and your party.

Recycled Pumpkin

Here’s a great recycling idea!  This pumpkin decoration is made from an empty laundry detergent jug.  Just add some construction paper facial features and leaves, and a green pipe cleaner to complete the look, and this would make a cute table centerpiece.  You could also hang these recycled Halloween decorations from their handles with string.

Homemade Halloween Treats

Whatever you do, don’t forget about the treats, or you’ll be the target of every trickster in the neighborhood!  Homemade Halloween snacks are always a better alternative than prepackaged, trash-generating items.  Here are some fun ideas for decorating Halloween cupcakes.

Think Ahead!

Why not plan a costume exchange for next year?  What a waste to get only one use out of Halloween costumes!  Before you put everything away, invite the neighbor kids, cousins, co-workers,etc. over for a quick costume exchange.  You’ll be saving money, and reducing landfill waste.

Soy candles are an excellent idea for green Halloween decorations, because soy wax burns much cleaner than the paraffin wax used in traditional candles. This Halloween pumpkin candle, from Beyond Making Scents, is made from 100% soy wax, and has a lead-free wick. It is available in many scents, including candy corn and pumpkin pie, to really spice up your Halloween party.

Here are a few green living tips on burning candles:

Soy Wax vs. Paraffin Wax: Did you know that paraffin is actually a fossil fuel by-product and it releases chemicals when it burns? According to GreenSpace Candles, paraffin wax releases petrol-carbon soot, which introduces toxins to your home. Soy wax is a natural product, and burns cooler and cleaner than paraffin.

Soy Wax is Renewable: Soy wax is a produced from soybeans, which are a renewable resource.

Soy Wax is Water Soluble: If you end up with a spill of soy wax on a coffee table or countertop, it will clean up easily with just warm water.

Here’s the best idea in green Halloween decorations I’ve seen yet- a wreath made from garlic. Not only will this garlic wreath make an all natural addition to your Halloween décor, but you will have a good dose of vampire repellent hanging right on the front door (just in case). Here’s some information on garlic and vampire folklore to share at your Halloween party.

And don’t forget about solar-powered Halloween decorations for great green Halloween ideas. This evil little gargoyle is solar-powered, and he’ll creep out your guests with his illuminated green eyes when it gets dark. One of these on each side of your front steps would make a very Gothic entrance to your Halloween party. I found the gargoyle at Online Discount Mart.

It’s hard to believe that school is back in and Halloween is right around the corner. Have a green Halloween this year by making your own Halloween costumes. Here are three ideas for homemade Halloween costumes that you can make by reusing things you may already have lurking around the house.

Fairy Halloween Costume: Make your little girl the Queen of Green with a homemade fairy costume. Simply twist wire coat hangers into the desired wing shape and size, stretch pantyhose or tights over your homemade wire frame and decorate with glitter, sequins, or any other ‘bling’ you may have around the house. Need a fairy gown or princess dress? Used clothing stores are full of prom dresses and flower girl dresses that might fit the bill.

Zombie Halloween Costume: An old flannel shirt, a worn out pair of jeans, and an old wig make a great Zombie. Top off the homemade Halloween costume with a pair of monster teeth and one of dad’s broken power tools for some added spookiness. (Just remember to remove all blades or other sharp edges.)

Mummy Halloween Costume: It’s not Halloween unless there’s at least one mummy roaming the neighborhood! This is a great way to re-use old bed sheets and white t-shirts. Cut them into strips, wrap around your body, and you’ve got a classic homemade Halloween costume. Need a little gore? Toss on some ketchup!