The leaves are falling and piling up in the yards; the air is cool, sweet, and crisp; just like the tart, orchard apples and the fresh, homemade pumpkin pies. These are the simple pleasures of the autumn season; and we’re in luck, because fall is finally here! That also means that Halloween is right around the corner. This year when you are preparing for your spooky festivities, consider making a few, easy tweaks that are kinder to the Earth.
Leaves, Leaves, and More Leaves!
It’s a given that the leaves are going to fall during the season of fall…and unfortunately we’re the not-so-lucky ones who have to clean it up. After raking all the leaves in pile, you can bag them up in leaf bags that you can buy at your local hardware store and set them out during garbage day, where they will be properly recycled. Or, you can toss those leaves into your personal compost which will guarantee rich soil by the time spring rolls around. In addition, you can throw the leftover pumpkin “guts” into your compost pile. However, remember not to toss the seeds – instead, coat them in olive oil and salt, then toast them in the oven for a tasty, fall snack.
Halloween Decorations
Adding lights that cast an eerie glow to your front yard will give that extra “umph” to your Halloween spirit. This year, consider swapping out your old lights with LED lights. Light Emitting Diode (LED) are better for the environment because they consume low amounts of energy, they have a long life service (up to 50,000 hours), and contain no mercury, inferred or UV radiation. These festive lights come in the black string style lights or the icicle lights; and they offer the colors: Pumpkin Orange, Hocus-Pocus Purple, and Frankenstein Green. For more information about on these eco-friendly lights, visit this link-http://www.holidayleds.com/halloween_lights
Costume Swap
With costumes only warn once, it’s a waste to purchase something new. So be friendly to mother Earth by reducing your consumption in a costume swap. Gather round your friends, family members, and neighbors and enjoy finding a “gem” that is new to you. This will save money and provide a fun activity at the same time. If you do decide to but a new Halloween costume, make sure after the season to donate it to a local church, shelter, or Salvation Army. If you’re feeling crafty you can always whip up your own costume. Visit www.earth.com for some eco ideas on the perfect costume.
More Treats with No Tricks
Everyone has their favorite, classical candy bar; but if you’re feeling a little more adventurous this season, then consider trying organic sweet treats. Yummy Earth offers organic treats that have no chemical colors, artificial flavors, or corn syrup. You can find Yummy earth products at Toys ‘R’ Us and at Whole Foods. Trader Joe’s is a known place that sells sweet, “green” lollipops.
Endangered Species Chocolate Bars is a brand of chocolate that makes all natural chocolate that is ethically traded and naturally shade grown. Plus, 10% of their net profits are donated to fund organizations that help protect species and their natural habitats. Visit- www.chocolatebar.com for more information.
Finally, don’t forget about your local farms, orchards, and cider mills! They sell fresh sweet (hopefully organic) apples, cider, pumpkins, and squash. And with all of these delicious goods, you can use them to make your very own soups, muffins, cakes, pies, and seeds. You can also use the pumpkins, squash, and apples as a natural source of autumn decoration. And, you can always toss the remains in your personal compost after the season is over.