So it’s pumpkin-time, which means candy, costumes, and crisp Fall weather.  (Or if you live in Los Angeles, as I do, it could mean a 100 degree dry heat, but that’s beside the point.)  Between the plastic masks and toxic face paints, it can be hard to figure out how to keep it green.  So what to do if you’re an eco-warrior and want to dress like one for Halloween? 

It’s simple – you can either make or buy your costume.  But if sexy mermaid or Star Trek Borg is a little beyond your level of craftiness, you can always buy a recycled costume.  Your local second-hand shops will almost certainly carry an assortment of used Halloween goods.  And don’t forget Ebay, which has costumes for kids, adults, and even dogs. You can even shop Goodwill online. (In fact, think about it – where else are you going to find a place carrying that bridesmaid dress begging to be splashed in fake blood?)  If you live in the Los Angeles area, where Halloween is more like a city-wide sport, the Out of the Closet thrift stores actually dedicate a significant portion of their October inventory to Halloween.

But the best way to know for sure that your costume is eco-friendly is, of course, to make it yourself.  So if you’re going to do so, just be sure to use non-toxic, low impact materials.  You can make your own face paint using cornstarch and food coloring.  If you’re super talented and own a sewing machine, use organic cottons, repurpose old fabrics, or choose low impact materials like hemp for your fabrics.  But if you’re like me, someone who should never, ever be handed a glue gun, you’re going to keep it simple.  Here’s an easy list of costume ideas to do just that.  These ideas can work for men, women, and kids.  (What could be funnier than a miniature green Sarah Palin?  But more on that below.

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Green Business:  Many businesses are focused on a green agenda.  So why not you too?  An all-green business suit outfit, green face paint (that you can make, see above) and green hair.  If you decide to dye some office clothes, be sure to use non-toxic dyes.

Mother Nature:  Pin flowers in your hair and grab that hippie peasant blouse.  Or go for the Disney Princess effect and carry small woodland animals and birds for props.  Earth tone greens, browns and blues can create a great base color.   

Al Gore:  Don a blue business suit and carry a copy of An Inconvenient Truth.  Conservative party-goers will instantly be on your case.  So if that happens, be sure to stand next to…..

Green-Reformed Sarah Palin:  Okay, I’m sure Halloween will be lousy with the Republican Vice Presidential candidate.  By why not do the Tina Fey thing, but make it green?  Try a green suit, glasses, hair in a twist – but with props!  Palin supports drilling in the polar bear’s habitat.   So make friends with a cuddly stuffed polar bear and carry it around with you.  Top it off with a beauty pageant sash that reads “Miss Arctic National Wildlife Reserve.”  Hey, it is a fantasy piece after all...

Tree Hugger:  Take an old long-sleeved sweatshirt or t-shirt.  Stuff the arms with newspaper or socks and pin them together holding a miniature tree.  Cut out holes for your arms.  Get it?  Tree hugger.  Just prepare yourself for the collective “awwww…..”

Green Party:  Go with the election year trends and just be….green party.  Sport the green colored party gear – hair, makeup, hat, balloons, noise-makers, banners, etc.  Just be sure to make it all recyclable.

And finally, if you’re still looking for inspiration, check out this awesome collection of kid and adult costumes made from recyclables.   From a cardboard box crocodile for kids to a recycled mini-samurai outfit, there’s something for everyone.  And who doesn’t like a cape made entirely from recycled soda cans?