Green Halloween

It seems like some communities are trying to have a green Halloween this year.

Coldwell Banker Town & Country Properties will host a Green Halloween costume swap on Oct. 8th.  Coldwell Banker is allowing children’s costumes (up to the age of 16), which are clean and in good condition, to be dropped off through Oct. 7, at one of the companies locations.

What a fantastic idea!

Those folks who took part in National Costume Swap Day across the country saved loads of cash AND reduced the waste going into landfill.

The idea behind such initiatives is to provide healthier and greener alternatives to the many Halloween celebrations.

We couldn’t agree more!

Read the full story here: Green Halloween Costume Swap

Here are some great ideas for Halloween costumes from the Green Halloween team.

Halloween doesn’t have to be an extra expensive time of the year. In fact, you can make most of your Halloween costumes from scratch with just a few arts and crafts supplies. Depending on what you want to be, in most cases you can do it yourself pretty easily without breaking the bank. Cardboard boxes are surprisingly versatile, and can be a great last minute costume. You can be just about any food item that comes in a box, or you can be a robot with a cardboard box. Simply cover the box with paper and decorate accordingly.

Craft items like glue, colored construction paper, and glitter can be real lifesavers when it comes to making your own Halloween costume. You can easily apply glitter to most things to give it a whole new look and dimension, and construction paper can be cut into any shape and glued to almost anything to create interesting accents or accessories. Of course the main part of your costume does not have to cost you a pretty penny either. Go to your local thrift store and see what they have to offer in the way of costume ideas. Most will sell used uniforms, which makes an instant and inexpensive costume.

Clowns are easy to do for Halloween, and you can make this yourself. Simply find some colorful and very baggy clothing, decorate it with glitter glue and pom poms, and buy a colorful curly wig. Then paint your face with Halloween makeup in the traditional clown style and you’re on your way. Another easy costume you can make yourself is a nerd. Simply slick your hair back, find a white dress shirt and fill the top pocket with pens, and wear some polyester pants pulled up as high as you can. Top it off with some dark rimmed glasses and you’re all set.

Sometimes using innovative ideas on your own is the best way to make a Halloween costume. Think of items you have around the house, and how you can use them in a costume. You’ll be surprised by what you come up with and just how creative you really can be when you put your mind to it. Plus, the kids will have a great time spending time with you and making costumes at home that they can show off to their friends.

So, are you looking for a green Halloween costume idea for this spooky time of the year?? There’s two approaches here: an earth-friendly/green theme, or en eco-friendly/organic theme.? Both approaches will produce a fantastic, costume to scare the living daylights out of everybody!

Spend a little time thinking about natural materials and/or recycled materials.? Cheap costumes can be made using a length of fabric which has enough length to make a big reusable shopping bag which is large enough to wear (stay with me!).? These box-shaped rectangle bags will have handles and a rectangular bottom.

Here’s the fine detail:

1. Glue some cardboard (or maybe poster board) to the back of the two largest rectangles.? This will make them more sturdy and give body.
2. Sew a seam (or glue/staple) to attach each of the sides to the back and front of the shopping bag.
3. Next, you’ll need to cut two long strips of fabric for handles and attach these to the back and one to the front.? Now, the handles can be used as shoulder straps to support the shopping bag.? Beginning to take shape now!
4. Add a design or logo – maybe promoting your local health food store or other eco-friendly company.? The logo can be painted on or stencilled on, but try to use non-toxic fabric paint.? Maybe you can fill the bag with environmentally-friendly food and drink containers.

If you want to go down the traditional route (witches, devils, monsters, etc), try to still use eco-friendly materials.? Consider using props that you already have lying around the house that can be returned to their normal use after the festivities have finished.

Just a little forethought can pay dividends.? Earth-friendly halloween festivities are possible with just a little sideways-thinking and a dash of creativity.

I hope you have fun making your low cost, green Halloween costume!