Eco-Friendly Costume Ideas

Fall is in the air and Halloween is just around the corner. Whether trick or treating, parading, or partying Halloween is a truly fun, festive time. Children and adults alike dress up and go out on the town. Spooky decor lines the streets. You can make it even more incredible by weaving some eco-friendly ethos into the fun.

Avoid toxic prepackaged Halloween costumes that are made from plastics and synthetic materials. Instead reduce, reuse and recycle. Here are some great eco-friendly costume ideas.

Costume Swap!

Swap costumes with neighbors, friends and family. Organize a swap party where everyone brings 2-3 items each. Anything will do including old costumes, accessories, wigs or last season's fashions. Mix and match and see what you can create together.

Shop Your Closet!

Are you looking for an eco-friendly Halloween costume idea? You might have the perfect costume hidden away in your own wardrobe. Pair an old slip dress with a new set of fangs to be a stylish vampire. Or use an old flannel, boots and cut-off jeans to create the cowgirl look. Switch the boots for a pair of Dr. Martens, add red lipstick and dark eyeliner, to go from cowgirl to grunge girl.

Vintage Buys

What era inspires you? Pick a theme and head to your local thrift store or vintage outlet. Here you can find costumes for all ages. Try a 50’s dress for a baby doll costume, or an Alice in Wonderland look. Marilyn Monroe, Jackie Kennedy, David Bowie, these costumes are all easy to build once you've envisioned the look.

Make Your Own

Create a paper mache mask with a few household items. Or go with a classic ghost costume fashioned from an white old sheet. Make a witch hat with cardboard and construction paper. Pair it with a black t-shirt and black leggings or a cute black dress. Head to out on the town as a beautiful flower or rose using nothing more than colored felt, floral wire, a headband, and fabric glue. Head to Marthastewart.com for the project details.

when creating eco-friendly halloween costume options the whole family becomes engaged in a fun, creative process! Enjoy these tips and have a safe holiday.