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Green This Year’s Halloween Treats!
Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson
Monday, October 26, 2009
Halloween may be all about the treats, but happily, there are great alternatives that kids, when given the option, will happily embrace.
You can't do much about the sweets your children receive on their foray around the neighborhood (although you can have the "Halloween Fairy" replace the confections with a wonderful gift when the children are brushing their teeth...shhhh...), but when it comes to what your family hands out, planning ahead so that you are not making a last-minute dash to the grocery store, will help you avoid limiting choices to what's on the shelves at the moment.
If you have a local natural foods store, check out their offerings. Take your kids along and choose a few items to sample if you don't normally shop there. Honey sticks are a favorite and are very inexpensive (be sure not to give honey to children under age 2). Many natural food companies make small "bars" in flavors kids love like peanut butter and chocolate. Assuming you have the time to order online, check out Green Halloween for dozens of alternatives.
If you want to give out candy, consider organic options and look for them in bulk. While still made with sugar, organic and all natural ingredients are better for children and growing foods organically is better for the planet and the people who grow them. Companies such as Surf Sweets, Pure Fun, and Yummy Earth sell organic candy with low price points.
Many stores have healthier options for Halloween, but they might not know it (or market them as such). Take a quick stroll through the aisles and consider treats and treasures such as: honey or agave sticks (may cost as little as 5-10 cents apiece), fruit leather, all natural gum (like Glee Gum), or mini packs of all natural or organic crackers, granola, cookies, or dried fruit. Click here for a big list of ideas.
No matter what goodies you give away, give just one (instead of handfuls). When we were kids, most of us received one treat and each door, but now everything is supersized – including trick-or-treating. Giving away just one of something is easy to do, costs you less and is better for children and the planet. And here’s a tip: Fill a bowl with a variety of great choices, whether sweets or "treasures" like sparkly stones, feathers (yes, kids love these), hair decorations, temporary tattoos, stickers etc. Cover the bowl with a cloth. When children come to the door, get down to their level and whisper, "At our house, we have some very, very special treats and treasures. You may now choose your favorite." Then with a flourish, whip off the cloth and let them sift. Compliment them on their choice afterwards.
Whatever you do this Halloween, taking time to plan and implement will make the holiday a lot less spooky!
Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson are mother and daughter and co-authors of Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family.
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author and not necessarily those of Healthy Child Healthy Child.
