Have an Eco-Happy Halloween
Jennyvi Dizon is a contributing writer for Earth 911. Become an Earth 911 contributor.
Halloween is coming upon us soon, and it might be the only day out of the whole year where we can enjoy being someone or something else without too many awkward stares. This year you can make a statement without creating extra waste and the great part is that it will cost you next to nothing creating that ingenious and witty costume.
While you might or might not have a costume this year, let me share a few of my favorite low cost green Halloween ideas. One of my favorite mediums to use for a costume are old cardboard boxes.
Most people would go for the oven, dishwasher, alphabet block or even a free mammogram machine, but I’ve learned over the years that when cardboard is wet it can be pretty malleable and take on any shape or form. The key is not to over soak the cardboard and let it dry completely.
In states like Arizona that’s not a problem at all. With cardboard you can definitely go overboard; when pieced correctly you can be a Trojan horse made to look like wood or even Robocop.
You can even include your significant other on your crafty costume. You can always cut out a cardboard box in the shape of a paper clip and “e”, glue a piece of foil on top of it, give the cardboard “e” to your boyfriend/girlfriend and be an e-mail attachment. This way you are both comfortable and still able to snuggle.
If being crafty isn’t your thing, you can always borrow a costume or you can even pick pieces of clothing right out of your closet. There is the traditional serial killer costume, which won’t cost you an extra cent, since serial killers look like everyone else.
But if you don’t want to be accused of not having a costume, you can always rip up an old shirt into strips of fabric, tie as many knots as you can, safety pin the knots to what you are wearing and be a “knotty” boy or girl.
With making your own costume the possibilities are endless and at the same time rewarding in so many ways. Just imagine all the conversations you can have with your awesome costume, as well as the memories you can always look back on. Whatever you are this year, just be as creative as possible without adding trash to those already full landfills.
Jennyvi Dizon, Fashion Designer
samiam
posted on October 22nd, 2007 at 9:54 am
“just be as creative as possible without adding trash to those already full landfills.”
You just described ways to create costumes that are nothing but trash… how about renting a good costume and promote reuse?
jennyvi
posted on October 22nd, 2007 at 11:09 am
I think that’s a given, I was suggesting costumes for more of the creative types who want an original costume. I touched on borrowing your costume, but I think most people like to have fun with costumes. I never really liked buying my costumes, it takes the fun out for me. But to each their own. : )