Contributed by: Beth Kanter
My son got his Halloween costume in the trash, literally. We recycle in this house and Harry and his sister help out for the weekly dump trip. So, this Halloween, he decided he wanted to be a Trash Monster - and that the costume would be made completed from our recycling box, cardboard, newspaper, plastic bottles, etc.
He also sat down with me at the computer and listed the rules of recycling. We created a recycle box with the recycled trash glued on it. He also suggested a hole in the back and a tube, where people can dump candy.
Every year, Harry comes up with some crazy idea about what he’d like dress up as for Halloween. He only watches PBS, and mostly shows like Nova and American Experience, so he never opts for the Super Hero Costume you can buy at the store. That would be too easy …
Last year, he was a cup monster (Sara was an easy butterfly).
So, here’s what you need if you want to create green friendly costume, raise awareness about environmental issues, and be a little creative.
1. Cardboard box. Paint it the color of your recycling box. Cut holes in it for plastics, newspaper, cans, and cardboard.
2. Recycleable Trash: Just raid your stash. If you don’t recycle, you can learn more here.
3. Recycle logo - I searched until I found one to download and pop into word to print out.
4. Discuss with your kid why it is important to recycle and what the rules are.
Photo: Beth Kanter
Beth Kanter is a trainer, coach, and consultant to nonprofits in the area of effective technology use.
[tags]halloween, halloween+costumes, recycling, recycling+with+kids, Beth+Kanter[/tags]
2 responses so far ↓
Megin // Oct 29, 2006 at 5:13 am
I really love a lot of things about this costume:
-making an educational opportunity (creating the costume)
-self directed
- promoting recycling
- the shoot for the candy!!
I love home made costumes. When you think about it, there is a learning opportunity with every costume choice… Pirates? Plenty of histories, biographies, etc. check out piratesinfo.com. Hercules? Mythology, baby. Lots of books, online articles, etc. check out online-mythology.com. Does your baby want to be a kitty? What she’s only 2? Show her some photos (http://cats.about.com/cs/kidsandcats/l/blkidsncatsa.htm), visit a friend or eighbors cat. Have conversations about what the costume needs.
Whether you buy or make your costumes, there are plenty of learning opportunities for your kids.
Beth // Oct 30, 2006 at 1:48 am
And guess what? He won best costume at his school ’s Halloween party as well as his sister’s school’s Halloween party.
Now, two more days and the candy sugar high days will be here.
Personally, I hate Halloween because I’m on diet and it really tests my will power.
Leave a Comment