Kermit was wrong. It is easy being green [on Halloween].

Just make choices that are people-healthy, animal-friendly and Earth-conscious.

We’ll show you how with these 10 simple steps:

1.  Plan ahead to avoid last-minute shopping which often limits your choices.

2.  When it comes to costumes and décor—reuse, borrow, swap, purchase used or do-it-yourself.

3.  Treat bags can be anything! For extra fun, match the bag to the costume using something you already own. Here are some ideas: purses, flower pots (cover the hole), cloth sacks, backpacks, lunchboxes. Or purchase a durable keepsake bag (such as the one pictured, from ChicoBag) that your child can reuse every year (and then hand down to their children!).

4.  Choose healthier treats. Take baby steps with organic candy and honey sticks, two child-favored choices. (Honey is not for children under two years of two). Or check out this list of dozens of healthy options kids will love and parents will approve of.

5.  Choose fun treasures instead of conventional sweets. Think of the treasures your child collects in her pockets—pretty rocks, coins, etc.

6.  If you’re giving a party, avoid disposables including napkins, plates, cups, tablecloths and other décor.

7.  Walk from house to house instead of driving.

8.  Compost pumpkins and any other food, including leftover candy.

9.  Collect candy wrappers and help your kids turn them into gift items like purses, bracelets and picture frames. Find directions on the internet.

10.  Avoid purchasing any treats made with palm oil. Here’s why.

Green Halloween® is a nationwide non-profit initiative started by mother-daughter team Corey Colwell-Lipson and Lynn Colwell. In 2010, Green Halloween became a program of EcoMom® Alliance and has events in cities across the U.S.

November 15th is America Recycles Day!

Here are three ways you can celebrate while wrapping up your Halloween festivities:

1. Before dumping your Halloween costume, check out Earth911′s article, “8 ways to reuse your [Halloween] costume.”

2. Don’t toss your candy wrappers – upcycle them into cool and useful things. Here’s how to make runway-worthy handbags.

3. If you have not done so already, compost your jack-o-lantern, leftover candy and natural decor. Here is how (click to view):