Although Halloween doesn’t pose a gift problem, it does have its own billion dollar consumption issues, as families spend big on costumes and candy. Aside from the stomachaches and headaches resulting from all that sugar, Halloween results in a huge pile of discarded candy wrappers, goodie bags, plastic pumpkins, masks and costumes.
Halloween costumes are hugely influenced by commercial media, with fads being driven by television shows and movies. So families might find this a good place to inject some media literacy into their discussions.
Rather than buy a new costume you (or your child) will only wear once and throw away, make one out of clothes and fabrics you already have. You can also create costumes from items purchased at thrift shops and yard sales. Swap costumes with neighbors and friends. And if you can’t escape purchasing an off-the-rack version, at least donate it to your local daycare center or shelter after the big night.
Plastic goodie bags are totally unnecessary. Your kids can collect their candy in reusable buckets, wicker baskets, canvas bags or pillowcases. When you’re buying treats to give out at your door, choose items that come in a minimum amount of packaging. Or skip the candy altogether in favor of useable treats like pencils, pens, magnets, erasers or other trinkets (but keep them useful or else you’ll defeat the purpose.)
If you’re having an adult or mixed-age Halloween party, serve healthy and seasonal foods. Make good use of the pumpkin theme, not just in decorations but it food too. After you’ve carved a face into the pumpkin, dry and spice the seeds for nutritious snacks. The tender insides can be pureed for soups, mashed for pies or spiced up for a main vegetarian entrée, such as an Indian curry or pumpkin chili. And don’t forget to purchase your pumpkin at a farmers’ market or local farm stand in order to minimize its “food miles” and support your local producers.