10 Tips for a More Environmentally Friendly Halloween From the Jax Zoo
1 Make Your Own Halloween Costume.
Instead of buying a new costume for your child this year, it might be time to dig through your closet and create a costume from some of your less recently worn clothing. Another idea is to visit a local thrift store for some more creative inspiration.
2 Use a Reusable Trick or Treat bag
Plastic bags may be inexpensive but they can take thousands of years to breakdown in a landfill. Consider instead a reusable treat bag. Turn it into a craft project by helping your child decorate their own canvas tote bag the night before or decorate an old pillowcase with fabric paint and felt.
3 Give Pencils or Stickers Instead of Candy
Rather than purchasing those jumbo sized bags of candy with their over abundant treat wrappers, give pencils, stickers, or another environmentally friendly treat instead. To make your treat extra special, give stickers that show endangered species or that have conservation messages. If you do decide to give candy, look for candy manufacturers that support environmental causes and conservation agencies or that use locally grown or organic ingredients.
4 Purchase Durable or Reusable Halloween Decorations
Purchase more heavy duty and durable Halloween decorations that can be reused from year to year. Avoid buying decorations that are made of paper or that will be quickly discarded after November 1.
5 Make Your Own Decorations
Make your own decorations to use around the house. Make a scare crow from old clothing or a ghost from an old white or light blue sheet. You can also make a grave yard from wood scraps or some left over garden fence. Get creative and see what other uses you can find for some of your discarded household supplies.
6 Use Reusable Plates and Utensils at Your Halloween Party
Consider using washable plates and utensils for your Halloween party instead of paper goods that will go directly into the trash.
7 Send Party Invitations by Email
Organize your party online by sending your invitations by email rather than sending paper invitations by mail. There are many great online tools that can help you to organize and send invitations to all of your friends. This will also save you money that you can use for other areas of your party.
8 Decorate with Seasonal Plants
Decorate your yard with seasonal plants or pumpkins for a more natural fall feeling. Sign up for a Garden Tour at the Zoo, held on the first Saturday of each month, to find out what plants will bloom in our hot Florida weather.
9 Make the Most of Your Halloween Pumpkin
Bake the seeds of your pumpkin for a yummy fall snack or decorate with whole pumpkins and then use the pumpkins for pies or other baked treats throughout the next month.
10 Choose One Location to Trick or Treat.
Conserve fuel by choosing one location to trick or treat at and then by walking through the neighborhood. Or Come to Spooktacular at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens and have fun and collect treats while you walk the Zoo.
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