Pin Head Pumpkin by Fabian of Occasional Superstar

I had all of these big plans for the blog this month, from eco-horror movies to organic candies to hand out to all the little ghouls and goblins. Alas, the cootie-bugs swept through the house, leaving raw throats and red noses in its wake, sapping all energy to think and type. Cough, cough. Sneeze, sneeze. Sniff, sniff.

Anyboo, the rest of this week’s/month’s posts will shine some light on how to make your Halloween fete an eco throwdown. Sounds almost blasphemous, doesn’t it? Well, if Woody Harrelson can green Zombieland, you can green your Halloween. Quit your crying and read on, my pretties.

For Halloweeners big and small:

• Send invites by e-mail! My personal fave: My Punchbowl. You can plan the entire thing, including shopping lists and allowing guests to sign up to bring fixings for earth friendly cocktails.
• DIY your costume! Get thee to Goodwill and get creative. Check out The Daily Green for some “Frightfully Fun Homemade Halloween Costumes Made from Recycled Materials.”
• Forget about those toxic Halloween masks (most of which contain PVC) and do face-painting. Make sure you dump the lead-laced stuff for eco friendly Lyra Face Paint Pencils. Or you can try making your own. It’s safer for your little goblin’s (or your own zombie) face, and you can use them for other kiddie shin digs.
• I gave out these YummyEarth Organic Lollipops I found at Whole Foods and they were a hit.
• Want to skip candy altogether (and risk being egged and/or TP-ed)? Try giving out dried fruit and mini granola bars. You can also try eco-friendly pencils, soy crayons and coloring books. I remember getting toothbrushes, dental floss and toothpaste (try Tom’s of Maine) from a dentist one year. I was in too much shock to complain. Check Green Halloween for more ideas.
• Collect all those yummy treats in a reusable treat bag. You can find them everywhere from online to Old Navy.
• Serve spooky and seasonal treats using local and organic ingredients from your farmers market or (if you must) Whole Foods.
• Use soy based or (my favorite) beeswax candles to set the mood. Just make sure that guy who inhaled the Pina Ghouladas doesn’t knock the candles over. If kiddies will be present, opt for LED Lights.

Steal more ideas from some of my favorite blogs:

• Treehugger’s Green Eyes On: Green Halloween Tips You May Not Have Thought Of
• Nature Mom’s Eco Friendly Halloween
• The Daily Green’s Top 10 Ways to Go Green This Halloween
• Planet Green’s How to Go Green: Halloween