It’s no secret that the environment is in danger. We’re constantly hearing about it on the news and in the media, and it’s difficult to think of ways that we can help this crisis. Sure, we can recycle and take shorter showers, but where’s the fun in that? We can make a difference, right here in Phoenix and have a blast doing it! GalTime had the opportunity to speak with Lynn Colwell, the co-founder of Green Halloween® and CelebrateGreen!®: organizations that promote being environmentally conscious throughout the Halloween preparations and afterwards. I was pleasantly surprised to realize that there are ways to enjoy your Halloween while staying green and helping the environment in the process.
GalTime: What is Green Halloween and how did it start?
Lynn Colwell: Green Halloween® is a non-profit initiative to make Halloween healthier for kids and the planet (while keeping all the fun). It started after my daughter Corey discovered that her two girls got more excited about the stickers and bubbles they were given for Halloween, than about the candy. She realized that kids today are overexposed to candy and it’s not the special treat it was when she was a little girl. The thought came to her that maybe there was an opportunity to make Halloween a bit healthier for kids as well as the environment.
GT: What's the overall message?
LC: While Corey’s first idea related to candy, Green Halloween’s overall message is that every aspect of Halloween (and other holidays) can be made greener and healthier without eliminating any of the tradition or fun.
GT: What are some of the main initiatives/aspects of the movement?
LC: Because handing out and receiving conventional candy is a mainstay of Halloween, we’re very excited that 1 million pieces of conventional candy will be replaced with yummy, healthier options (like Honest Kids drink pouches, Larabars, Nature’s Path Bars, Stretch Island Fruit strips, Endangered Species Chocolate, and Revolution Foods snacks) at events at 50 zoos and aquariums and 30+ volunteer-run Halloween and fall events around the U.S.
In addition, last year we launched National Costume Swap Day™ (the second Saturday in October) as a way to encourage people to swap costumes instead of sending them to landfills. In this, our second year, we have listed more than 160 swaps in 36 states and Canada. People genuinely are excited to discover this way to save money and the planet while providing their kids with new-to-them costumes.
We’re also delighted to partner with so many great, green brands that make it easy for parents to make healthier choices. We have a “Featured Vendor Program” where our logo is on labels of brands such as ChicoBag’s reusable trick-or-treat bag, and a percentage of the product’s sales support Green Halloween (a non-profit program of EcMom Alliance, a 501 (c) 3).
GT: Why do you think it's caught on?
LC: Honestly, I think we were in the right place at the right time. Corey’s idea hit a nerve with the many parents who have become aware about how toxins in the environment as well as food, are harming our children.
They want to do what they can, but aren’t sure exactly what to do. We have been able to inspire them, presenting easy, affordable choices that make sense and keep all the fun.
When it comes to celebrating, it can be hard to mess with tradition, so I also think the fact that we don’t browbeat people, but offer lots of meaningful alternatives makes it easy for people to catch the wave. Also, because of the financial situation in the country right now, people are much more open to ideas like swapping costumes than they might have been before.
GT: What are a few of things "Green Halloween" has made a big impact on?
LC: There’s no question that we are changing the way America celebrates this holiday by raising awareness that Halloween (and other holidays we address through www.CelebrateGreen.net) can remain just as fun as ever, and with a few tweaks be healthier for kids and the planet.
A big impact we’ve made is on manufacturers of healthier treats. We encouraged them to make “mini” sizes of their products suitable for Halloween handouts and many of them started doing it. We have worked with retailers to ensure that the healthier options are promoted for Halloween. Once some brands and retailers became successful, and once they recognized the demands of parents for the healthier options that were packaged and priced appropriately, others followed.
Also, because so many children today have allergies, food and environmental sensitivities, parents are incredibly grateful for the fact that alternatives are available their children can enjoy at so many events around the country as well as at their own Halloween parties.
GT: What are some simple ways parents can create a "Green Halloween" for their families?
LC: Three simple things they can do: 1. Whatever you give out for trick or treat, give just one (instead of handfuls). 2. Swap costumes 3. Compost pumpkins and leftover candy instead of tossing in the trash. 4. Visit a Green Halloween at a zoo like Phoenix Zoo.
GT: Candy has traditionally been such an integral part of celebrating Halloween...how can we get away from that?
LC: We don’t have to! What we need to do is cut down on the amount we’re handing out and ensure that if we do choose to offer it, that we only give out candy without chemical dyes, flavors and preservatives. Happily there are now many choices in organic candy and chocolate (fair trade is important too as child slaves may be used to pick cocoa beans) in all the shapes and types kids love—“gummy” bears and jelly beans, lollipops and mini chocolate bars.
GT: What's the Green Halloween take on costumes?
LC: We suggest that instead of buying new people swap, purchase used at thrift shops or garage sales, or make them from what they have on hand.
If you do buy, purchase costumes that will last for more than one night. Avoid those made from plastic or polyester. Wool, organic cotton, silk and hemp are other choices. Buy locally when possible and most importantly, when Halloween is over, don’t just toss. Hold on for imaginative play throughout the year or for swapping next Halloween.
GT: What the one "most important" thing we can do to make our Halloween greener?
LC: Plan ahead and think before you buy. Planning lessens the possibility of last minute purchases, which not only are harder on the wallet but may make it difficult to purchase better products because they may not be available at your local store. Thinking before you buy also will cut down on the waste generated from your purchases.
GT: Anything else to add?
LC: We think it’s vital to keep the fun in Halloween. Try out one or two ideas at a time and see how they work for you. Maybe this year you swap costumes and next you look for healthier treats. Don’t put so much pressure on yourself (or your kids) that you lose the joy that comes from celebrating. And of course for many more ideas check out www.GreenHalloween.org and www.CelebrateGreen.net
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