Editor’s note: Today we have the fantastic and energetic Gayle Bates and the debut of her green education column. She’ll be here once a month to talk shop about how families can walk more gently on the Earth by reducing, reusing and recycling. Tips and tricks abound! Here she is:

Oh Halloween and the thrill of cute, beautiful and (they think!) frightening creatures in their costumes, gathering for family, group or community celebrations!

The trick is for both you and your wee creatures to enjoy the costume part of these festivities, and for your choices to be a treat for the planet.

The biggest and most important decision regarding a costume has to be – what will I/you be? The possibilities are endless!

Many commercial costumes and masks are created to be single-use items, and have hefty ecological footprints of petroleum products and transportation. Since it may be difficult to duplicate a Pixar or Dreamworks character without some identifiable prop or insignia, it is here that the creative thinking and fun begin.

What about something completely original …or something not too definitive– the fairy/princess/bride – endless variations? How about your very own designer super hero (mine has a rhinestone studded Super Carbon Converter – converts carbon to fresh water); or animals, or mythical creatures; or classic or lesser known story or movie characters (my daughter was the Paper Bag Princess)?

An alternative to making a decision and then finding what you need, is to look at available materials and see what inspires you and yours. There are three major sources of planet friendly-costume materials: closets and dress-up trunks, the recycle bin and thrift stores.

First check out your own resources for costume possibilities. In your closet might there be a grad/bridesmaid/formal dress that:

- you will never wear again

- that you may never fit again

- that you cannot think of a better use for than to magically transform a child?

What about scarves, hats, shirts, vests, ties, tablecloths or fabric? Reusing these things saves the planet and your money.

If your own resources don’t inspire, maybe have a play date of like-minded friends and families and who all bring costume potentials, or costumes to share. I’ve been amazed at what others can see in something that I’ve been looking at for so long that it refuses to mentally transform for me.

Both the recycle bin and the garbage can are next on the list for costume raw materials. The produce department is a wonderful source of materials. I’ve used peach packing materials to construct a brilliant red cape.

Cardboard and plastic items can be repurposed to become robot, vehicle or monster parts, as well as crowns, shields, whatever. When using things that are recyclable, using safety pins or twist ties to hold pieces together instead of glue, will allow them to be separated and go back into the recycling stream without too much trouble.

What can I say about thrift stores as a source of – oh, everything? Buying second hand, or previously enjoyed or gently used is a three-way win situation. Good for your budget, good for the planet and good for the community as most local shops contribute to social programming.

Although safety is by far the biggest issue with masks for little people, they are seldom safe for the planet either. Good quality face paints allow you, with little or no talent – trust me on this – to transform wonderfully and safely.

Making decisions that are planet-friendly doesn’t mean less fun – it means more fun! Thinking and talking and planning and creating and anticipating extend the fun of Halloween, while teaching little people to be original and planet friendly.

I’d love to see photos of your planet friendly Halloween creations. Drop us an e-mail at editor@ourbigearth.com and your wee one could win some great prizes as a part of the Our Big Earth Make-Your-Own Halloween Costume Contest.