YOUR AD HERE »

Have a green Halloween: reduce, reuse and recycle

Staff Report

As Halloween approaches, Environmental Defense reminds ghosts and goblins not to say “boo” to wise environmental choices.

Here are several ideas for trick or treaters to add more green to the orange and black holiday.



“Whether they are dressed as Harry Potter or SpongeBob Square Pants, children should carry canvas bags or pillow cases to tote treats instead of disposable bags.

Using durable bags is a great idea any time of the year, especially at Halloween when disposable bags can tear and lead to unhappy trick or treaters,” said Fred Krupp, Environmental Defense executive director.



“Another idea to protect the environment is to make a costume from old clothes at home, instead of buying a disposable one from a store. This way you can scare your neighbors without spooking Mother Nature,” Krupp added.

“When planning a Halloween monster bash, use reusable utensils, plates, napkins and tablecloths instead of disposable ones. Also, when you are shopping for Halloween goodies, buy candy that uses the least amount of packaging.

Kids may clamor for chocolate and candy corn, but after Halloween’s over, wrappers may be as common as tummy aches. Look for recycled content in items you buy and carry reusable bags to put your groceries in,” Krupp said.

Environmental Defense recommends walking, riding a bike, or using public transportation for Halloween parties or trick or treating. If you have to drive, carpool to help reduce traffic and air pollution.

“Fall is a great time to start backyard composting. It’s a great way to recycle organic material such as food scraps, leaves, yard clippings and jack o’ lanterns. A backyard bin is a lot more convenient than bagging leaves for collection.

You get great soil for gardening and you can compost all winter long, even in cold climates,” Krupp said. “Check with your town or local hardware store or garden center for help getting started.”

“Try to reuse Halloween decorations in the same way that Christmas ornaments are used from year to year, instead of throwing them away each Nov. 1. Most of all, use this holiday to think about your everyday habits and actions to reduce waste 365 days a year. The scariest aspect of Halloween may not be ghosts in the attic, but the waste on the floor. Individual actions can make a huge difference for our future,” Krupp said.

Environmental Defense, a leading national nonprofit organization based in New York, represents more than 300,000 members. Since 1967, it has linked science, economics and law to create innovative, equitable and cost-effective solutions to the most urgent environmental problems.


Support Local Journalism

Support Local Journalism

Readers around Glenwood Springs and Garfield County make the Post Independent’s work possible. Your financial contribution supports our efforts to deliver quality, locally relevant journalism.

Now more than ever, your support is critical to help us keep our community informed about the evolving coronavirus pandemic and the impact it is having locally. Every contribution, however large or small, will make a difference.

Each donation will be used exclusively for the development and creation of increased news coverage.