Keep Virginia Boo-tiful
Don’t be afraid to try having a green Halloween this year! There are many swaps you can make to end the cycle of buying more plastic and discarding it later. Most are easy and inexpensive. Here are just a few:
Instead of heading to the big box costume store this year, be an original:
– Go to your local thrift store for all the basic items you need at a good price
– Even go the back of your own closet (which could be scary!) for costume ideas for you or the kids
– Swap with family and friends’ costumes from previous years
– Old socks make great octopus or monster appendages
– Don’t forget to check out your recycling bin for cardboard, boxes, cans, and cartons to transform into robots, tombs, and other props
– Make a fun Trick-or-Treat bag out of a reusable shopping bag, sand pail, or most anything with a handle
Save time and money by passing by all the plastic decorations in stores. Autumn is the best time to wonder outside for ideas and inventory for fall décor:
– Press colorful leaves in between wax paper for long-lasting “pictures” to tape to your windows
– Use old clothes to make a scarecrow
– Collect acorns, pods from sweet gum trees, bright-red magnolia seeds, and display in upcycled jars on your porch (avoid taking indoors because hidden bugs might enjoy the warmth of your house)
Of course, you’ll want to visit your local farmers market or nursery for pumpkins and gourds to transform into Jack-o-lanterns or display indoors:
– If you purchase baking pumpkins and draw a face or us stickers, they’ll last longer on display and make a tasty pie later
– If you choose to carve your pumpkin, look for recipes to roast the seeds for snacking, or save the seeds to grow more next year
– Pumpkins can be added to your compost pile, just cut them up into smaller pieces to quicken decomposition
So get crafty, show your ingenuity, save some money, and Keep Virginia Boo-tiful this Halloween!