Halloween is big on fun but, unfortunately, it’s also big on unhealthy traditions and waste. Many moms and dads worry about the impact of this holiday on the health of their kids and the planet.
And for good reason.
Almost $6 billion a year is spent on costumes, candy, décor and other accessories, most of which are made from unhealthy, unsustainable materials, by people who may not be paid living wages or treated fairly. Most of the stuff – what isn’t consumed – winds up in landfills.
But our goal is to show families that it’s easy and affordable to keep the fun, while losing the unhealthy, un-Earth-friendly traditions. It’s not about telling parents how they should celebrate – it’s about inspiring them to make choices that make sense to their families, their budgets and their schedules. And when many families make healthier and more sustainable choices for Halloween – taking even the smallest of steps – big impacts can be made for the short and long term.
Here are a few of the “spooky statistics” that might fuel your desire to help change the way you celebrate Halloween:
One in three trick-or-treaters born today will develop diabetes.
One-third of America’s trick-or-treaters are overweight; 17% are considered obese.
Today’s trick-or-treaters have a life expectancy that is shorter than their parents.
1 in 13 trick-or-treaters suffers from food allergies.
Coco beans used for chocolate that are grown in full sun (as opposed to shade) are susceptible to disease and therefore require heavy doses of toxic pesticides and synthetic fertilizers.
The chocolate industry has engaged in the use of child slaves and other unethical treatments of growers.
Store-bought costumes, makeup and accessories may contain phthalates, lead and other toxins.
One test of multiple brands of face paints found detectible levels of lead in all of them. (According to experts there are NO safe levels of lead).
Over 6,000 synthetic chemicals are used in the processed-food industry. Most Halloween “treats” are processed.
A 2004 study with 1800 three year old children found that behavior measurably improved after a one week diet without preservatives and artificial colors and dramatically worsened on the weeks they were given preservatives and artificial colors (present in most Halloween candy).
Last year, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics released a report stating that 10 of 10 face paints tested contained lead (a powerful neurotoxin) and other heavy metals. These findings fuel mounting concerns over the safety of numerous chemical fragrances, artificial colors, preservatives and other ingredients in body products (for children and adults).
But kids wear face paint, they don’t eat it, right?
Wrong. What’s applied to the skin is absorbed into the body. Think of body products (face paint, included) as skin food.
(Not sure if you do trust the products you own like diaper rash cream, or lotion, the base ingredient in our face paint recipe? Be sure to check out www.CosmeticDataBase.com).
Get the {eco} Look: Corey’s dress from Issaquah-based sustainable-designer, Lizzie Parker. Lynn’s artisan-designed, reclaimed felt necklace from Digs.com.
Etsy is full of fabulous handmade finds for year ’round green celebrating. From toys made from natural materials to upcycled jewelry for a night out on the town, Etsy has you covered – in sustainable style.
But what about for a green Halloween?
Here are the “treats” Etsy has in store… (click on photos for links)
Vintage Raggedy Ann & Andy pillow case (for collecting treats and treasures)
Mineral Halloween makeup (without spooky ingredients)
Felted wool acorns
Aluminum can lantern
Reusable snack baggies
Vintage Halloween chandelier earrings
Reclaimed velvet Halloween cloche hat
Do you know about other great, green Etsy finds for Halloween ? Let us know! Add your comments, below.
Yesterday we promised we’d share with you the incredible work by photographer Mark Jordan, the artist taking belly painting to a whole new level.
Here’s a peek at some of his photos (which he has give us permission to share):
To see the entire gallery with even more amazing images, click here.
Please note: Mark Jordan’s photos are not to be used, or sold without his permission. Images may be purchased by contacting the photographer.
Want to whip up some of your own safer-than-store bought belly (or face) paints? Stay tuned for tomorrow’s recipe feature from our book, Celebrate Green!
Halloween is right around the corner and if your due date is too, you’re in luck. And not just because your little one is almost here but because your baby bump is just perfect for dressing up! Now that’s reason to dance!
Just think of the possibilities…
Pumpkin
Watermelon
Earth
Fish bowl
Basketball/ baseball
An Easter egg
Beach Ball
Pearl in a shell
Happy face
Or, forget the cliches and dress your belly up as something unique like – the president. Huh? Stay tuned for tomorrow’s post featuring the amazing work of Photographer Mark Jordan.
Of course, green mamas-to-be will want to steer clear of most conventional face and belly paints, even those labeled “non-toxic” unless you know what all of the ingredients are (companies are not required to tell you) and whether the ingredients are safe. (Go to Environmental Working Group’s Cosmetic Safety Database to search the ingredients – if they are even listed.)
The better bet? Buy face pencils such as by Lyra, made under European’s stricter safety standards or make your own belly paints using the easy recipe in our book, Celebrate Green!.
Have you decorated your baby bump in clever ways for Halloween, or incorporated it in some other way into a funny, interesting or beautiful costume? Do share, do share!
