Going Green for Halloween

If you want to save some money this Halloween, consider going green by making your child’s costume, hosting a costume swap or buying a "recycled” costume from a local thrift store.

Kids love homemade costumes, and crafty parents can take pride in creating something amazing based on their imaginations.

Thrift stores offer an array of inexpensive “recycled” costumes for everyone from babies to adults, as well as a large selection of new costumes, masks, hats and Halloween makeup. You can also find used decorations such as pumpkin-shaped votive holders and Halloween-themed candles at a fraction of the price you would pay for new ones.

Here are some thrift stores you can visit to see if they carry the materials you need to create your own little monsters:

• 3906 Roswell Rd
• Cathedral of Saint Philip Thrift House, 1837 Piedmont Ave NE
• Psycho Sisters Consignment Shops, 428 Moreland Ave NE
• The Lucky Exchange, 212 Ponce de Leon Avenue
• Atlanta Step Up Society Thrift Store, 733 Monroe Drive

Hosting a costume swap is another great way to keep old costumes out of landfills. Have a party with a small group such as a preschool class, church group or scout troop.

Decorate the outside of your home in an environmentally friendly way with pumpkins, squash and dried corn stalks, which can all be composted when the holiday is over.

What are some examples of great homemade costumes that are easy to put together? Be sure to upload photos of your green costumes and decorations to this article.