Having a happy hallo-green

There are many ways to have an eek-ologically friendly Halloween. Here are 10 ways to reduce the spooky holiday's environmental footprint:

1. Buy pumpkins locally to support area farmers and save energy

2. Make your own costume, borrow or trade one with friends or buy from a second-hand shop. Sheets make great ghosts and mummies and clothes from the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s make great throwback characters.

3. Walk to trick-or-treat destinations instead of driving to reduce fuel consumption and air pollution. If you must drive, carpool to minimize overall impact.

4. Use every part of the pumpkin for decorations and food, and then compost them or put with yard waste when you're done

5. Use a reusable bag or pillowcase to collect treats instead of paper or plastic

6. Instead of throwing away Halloween decorations, save and store them for next year, much like you do Christmas decorations. It also helps build up a frightfully imaginative collection.

7. Give out natural, fair-trade or organic treats instead of commercial candies or opt for pencils, erasers and other useful items. Buy in bulk to minimize packaging.

8. Serve local and seasonal fare at your Halloween party and use reusable plates, cups, utensils, napkins and tablecloths.

9. Ditch toxic plastic and disposable decorations and opt for nature instead. Corn stalks, apples and gourds look festive and can be composted when the holidays are over.

10. Light your path and home efficiently with solar power, rechargeable batteries or candles made with beeswax or soy