The problem with buying reduced priced Halloween candy so early in October (you know, so you can cross it off your to-do list) is that you end up eating chocolate bars for breakfast.
So much for being healthy… or green. According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), my sugar-coated purchase is not doing a thing to help the planet… or my waistline.
This year the EWG is encouraging parents across the nation to add some green to the black and orange Halloween mix by following some simple tips, including:
Make Your Own Costume: The EWG discourages purchasing new Halloween getups and adding to the clutter in your closet, and thus the world. Instead, the group suggests making your child’s costume from everyday items or borrowing one from a friend. You might even consider going the extra mile by hosting a Halloween costume swap party with friends.
Beware of Halloween Make-up: If your kid loves caking on Halloween make-up, you need to be extra cautious before buying. According to the EWG, some face paints contain lead, which can “impair brain development at extremely low doses, as well as nickel, cobalt and chromium, which can cause skin sensitization and contact dermatitis.” Scary stuff even when you’re not in costume. You also need to be extra careful when you are buying lipstick for your little witches and princesses, as some brands also contain hidden lead, according to the EWG. Since little ones tend to eat lipstick, it’s best to skip it all together or opt for a safer shiny, beeswax-based lip balm.
Skip the Hairspray: While it may be tempting to use hairspray to keep your mini Max Headroom’s coif in place, you should know that some hair products contain toxic chemicals and fragrance. The EWG recommends ditching the hairspray and buying a hat or wig at a second-hand store instead.
Avoid Fake Teeth: The EWG suggests avoiding facemasks and fake teeth since many are made from a variety of synthetic materials that aren’t always labeled. According to the EWG, plastics may be “softened with endocrine-disrupting phthalates.” Translation: toxic chemicals on your kid’s mask can make him sick.
Finally, choose your Halloween candles carefully. The EWG suggests using eco-friendly candles made from bee, palm or soy wax, as some traditional paraffin-wax candles are made from petroleum by-products and can give off toxic compounds.
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