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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Monday, October 12, 2009

How to green your Halloween


By JENNIFER OLVERA
Gannett News Service

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser
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Parents: Are you "greening" your Halloween? Share your tips at

www.HAWAII.MOMSLIKEME.COM

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If you're on the eco-conscious bandwagon, there are things you can do to green your Halloween:

Lighting options. "There are so many solar-powered contraptions out there, ones that don't use candles or electricity," celebrity event planner Michael Russo said, pointing to the likes of shiver-inducing, sun-powered graves. If you use candles to light jack-o'-lanterns, however, use soy- or beeswax-based candles rather than paraffin ones that are made from petroleum.

Scary by nature. Russo suggests composing frightening masterpieces out of natural materials, such as branches or moss, plucked directly from the back yard.

Likewise, designer Kelly LaPlante, of Kelly LaPlante Organic Interior Design in Venice, Calif., likes using repurposed materials in unexpected ways.

"When you're creating a haunted house, remember that a sense of history is what makes it feel authentic," she says. "The idea that the furniture (and spooky spirits) have been there for hundreds of years is what gives guests a chill."

Use junk. LaPlante suggests scoring finds from local junk stores, or even your own garage, to create spooky furniture vignettes, accented with dusty vases filled with dying flowers.

"When you're through with the furnishings, you can donate them back to the store or even restore them to use in your home," she says.

Since one of the greenest things you can do is avoid waste, LaPlante likes to use tissue paper — saved from presents — to make ghosts.

"String them from a ceiling fan with fishing wire," she suggests, noting that old, mismatched socks can have a similar effect. "When it's turned on, the ghosts will 'fly' around the room."

Green costumes. Assemble costumes from materials you have on hand, whether it's an original get-up or the classic scarecrow. Complete the looks with costume jewelry and gowns from vintage stores.

Going green also affords an opportunity to educate the little, costumed tykes.

"A cylindrical worm bin makes a great witches' cauldron," LaPlante said.

"Just take off the top layer to expose your creepy crawly stew. It's fun but also gives trick-or-treating neighbors a lesson about composting."