I can't believe Halloween is almost here. Remember the hot summertime months? Time is flying...
Speaking of flying, I drive by this white barn all the time and I never get a chance to take a photo. But this time, I was stuck in traffic and managed to get a photo. I just love this jack-o-barn and think it's adorable. Anyway...
This month in Better Homes and Gardens, my column focuses on going green this Halloween season. I thought I'd share some tips with you. Go check out the issue if you get a chance.
PUMPKINS: Crack open ghourds and pumpkins with a hammer and place the broken pieces in the woods or a field far away from the house. Deer and other wild animals will feast on the flesh and seeds. You can also air dry (don’t roast them in the oven) pumpkin seeds as bird feed; our feathered friends crave the high-protein treat. One more idea: if you know a farmer, see if they’ll take them to feed their livestock.
BARLEY HAY: Buy barley hay bales when decorating your front porch. Barley hay is a natural deterrent of algae in ponds and water gardens because it releases natural oxygenators to clear the water. Just gather barley hay into small bundles, stuff into a netted bag, and weigh it to the bottom of the pond and forget about it! Leftover hay can be used as mulch around the garden.
CANDY: Give wrapped candy to local charities like Meals on Wheels or a local agency that works with children. Hard candies---like peppermints and butterscotch---can also be pulverized in a clean coffee grinder and made into flavored powdered sugar. Yum!
COSTUMES: Before Halloween, donate them to local Goodwill or Salvation Army stores where they’ll re-sell them and raise money, too. After Halloween, ask local children’s hospitals if they would like lightly worn costumes for the kids to have.
QUICK ECO TIPS FOR HALLOWEEN:
- Instead of plastic pumpkin baskets kids use to haul their treats, why not repurpose an old pillowcase instead? Decorate with non-toxic fabric paints, including glow-in-the-dark varieties that shine as the sun sets.
- Instead of driving from house to house, choose a community where you can walk instead.
- Bring a small trash bag with and encourage kids to pick-up litter along the way. Reward them with extra treats for each piece they pick-up.
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