October 24, 2007
Fabulous Finds: "Soleful" Purpose Happy Hallo-green!
by Bonny Osterhage
Ahh—remember the good ole’ Halloweens of your youth when you donned some crappy plastic costume, grabbed your plastic container and embarked on a trick-or-treating frenzy that often culminated in a sugar-high so intense that you didn’t come down for days? Good times!
The world is a much different place today than it was for our parents when we were kids. Now that we are older and wiser, we are more concerned with what we put in and on our children’s bodies, as well as what we are giving back to the environment. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Halloween that don’t take a toll on our children or our planet.
First, let’s talk treats. There was always that one house on the block where you only got toothpaste, raisins or something equally lame. Of course, now you completely understand why that adult gave out such practical treats. And, while you want to hand out something other than the usual sugar filled, cavity inducing, preservative laden junk, your inner child cringes at the thought of becoming “that” house—not to mention the fact that you don’t want to wind up getting “egged!”
Reconcile your inner child and outer grown-up by offering candies that are so
delicious, none of the little ghouls will suspect that they are getting a healthy alternative. A great place to find these treats is www.naturalcandystore.com. This site boasts so many of the best organic and all-natural candies, you won’t know where to start. Try one of everything with an 80-piece mix that contains such favorites as organic lollipops, organic milk chocolate squares, organic gummi bears and all natural gum. For the choco-holics, there is Sunspire (www.sunspire.com), where you can satisfy your sweet tooth with natural alternatives to M-n-M’s and Heath Bars among others, and Endangered Species Chocolate’s (www.chocolatebar.com) all natural dark and milk chocolate Halloween treats or Bug Bites. Each Bug Bite has one of a set of 32 trading cards…how cool a treat is that!
With treats this yummy, your little goblins had better dress to impress. Instead of buying a costume off the rack that will most likely get thrown away, why not look for ways to recycle items lying around your home. My own little monsters love empty boxes and have turned them into robots and space aliens with duct tape, cardboard tubes and a little imagination. Your closet or attic is also a great place for your child to throw together a Halloween ensemble. Drag out your old cheerleading uniform, micro-mini or bell bottom jeans. Your child will get a kick 
out of wearing your “old” clothes. You should also consider forgoing the plastic candy containers for pillowcases or tote bags that your child can decorate and reuse each year.
Last but not least, don’t forget the pumpkins! If possible, buy from a local grower or farmer’s market. Not only will you get fresher, hopefully organic produce, but you will also be supporting your local farming community. Once you carve your jack-o-lantern, use the filling for pumpkin pie or pumpkin soup and roast the seeds for a tasty treat. When November 1st rolls around, use the decoration for compost.
With these earth and family-friendly ideas, you can worry less about getting tricked and more about treating yourself and your family to a bootiful Halloween!
