How to Make an Earth Friendly Halloween Costume

You're starting to think about Halloween costumes. There are so many decisions to make regarding cost, theme of the costume and what to make it out of. But there's another decision to make too-—whether you want your costume to be earth friendly.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Look in your closet before you go out and buy a costume. Consider modifying clothes you already have. If you're not handy with a sewing machine, ask a friend or family member to help you out.

2. Raid your family's closet. You may find really interesting articles of clothing from the 50s, 60s and 70s that only need funky clothes and accessories you already have. Ask family members to tell you stories about the clothes for some interesting family history.

3. Use a pillowcase or recyclable bag for candy with trick or treaters rather than buying a plastic container you'll eventually throw out.

4. Buy costumes or costume pieces in thrift stores to reuse products already available. Goodwill will actually set out pieces that work well with costumes around Halloween time.

5. Purchase natural, organic or environmentally friendly make-up. Not only is it better for the environment, but it's better for your skin too.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't neglect one of the most environmentally friendly costumes out there-—the sheet ghost. Old sheets are cheap and you may not know what else to do with them anyway. They're also great for imaginative kids who just like to dress up.