Go green for Halloween

It seems everyone wants to save some green this holiday season, and you can do so going green for Halloween.
According to the National Retail Federation, this year the average person is planning to spend $66.54 on Halloween, which includes candy and costumes. n the United States, the total amount spent on Halloween is expected to reach over five billion. The NRF says though the country is in tough economic times, Halloween is an excuse to relieve tension and let loose.
But if you want to cut back on your portion of Halloween spending, here are a few tips:

- If you are hosting a Halloween party, skip the paper invitations and stick to e-cards or an e-mail. You won’t have to buy the cards or stamps, and you’ll be saving paper.

- Buy pumpkins from local farms, along the apples needed for the classic bobbing for apples.

- Reuse decorations from last year or from items found around the house. Old clothes and recycled newspapers can make a great scare crow. Many decorative items can also be found outside. Use brightly colored leaves to decorate the dining table. Skip the paper Halloween-themed plates and cups, and use your regular dinnerware, with orange or black cloth napkins. If you must have a themed table, buy orange and other fall colored plates, and reuse them at Thanksgiving.

- Don’t spend big bucks on a costume you’re only going to wear once. Shop at thrift and second-hand stores for the perfect costume, or start searching garage sale clothing racks. For children, adding a few pieces to their existing dress-up collection should do the trick.

- When going trick-or-treating, make sure to bring a reusable bag for all the goodies. Old pillowcases decorated with fabric paint can work with any costume, or an old purse is perfect for little girls dressed as princesses. Plastic buckets and canvas grocery bags are convenient and readily available. While saving green for Halloween, collect all those candy wrappers to clean up your neighborhood.

- Donate your time while collecting your treats. There’s UNICEF that collects donations for children around the world or check with your local favorite charity to see how you can help.

- Walk your trick or treat route, instead of driving. Though gas prices are going down, your car’s emissions are not. Plus, you’ll get your exercise in.