{"id":295,"date":"2020-09-24T20:26:28","date_gmt":"2020-09-24T20:26:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/index.php\/2020\/09\/24\/halloween-conscious-of-covid-19-toxicants-and-health\/"},"modified":"2024-09-08T17:47:33","modified_gmt":"2024-09-08T17:47:33","slug":"halloween-conscious-of-covid-19-toxicants-and-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/index.php\/2020\/09\/24\/halloween-conscious-of-covid-19-toxicants-and-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Halloween \ud83c\udf83 \ud83d\udc7b: Conscious of Toxicants, Health, Sugar, the Environment, and Germs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Updated October 2023<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I originally wrote this post in 2020, during the height of Covid. There was much discussion happening on mom forums about how to celebrate while avoiding Covid, but every single suggestion about trick or treating alternatives still involved lots of candy and sweets, and there was no consideration that sugar impacts your immune system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So I wrote this guide for a less toxic Halloween! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>This post may contain Amazon Associates affiliate links, that I may earn small amounts from. See the bottom of this page for more details.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. THE HAZARDS OF SUGAR AND CANDY <\/strong>\ud83c\udf6d <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/time.com\/4087775\/sugar-is-definitely-toxic-a-new-study-says\/\" target=\"_blank\">Sugar is toxic<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And it contributes to illness. \u201c<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.huffpost.com\/entry\/sugar-weaken-immune-system_l_5e74ca2cc5b6f5b7c542a3be\" target=\"_blank\">What we know <\/a>is that diabetes appears to be common in people confirmed to have COVID-19. \u201cThis suggests that having higher levels of sugars in your blood could make it easier to contract COVID-19.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not all sugar is created equal though, so natural forms of sugar, such as in fruit, are digested with the fiber of the fruit, and have less of a spike effect on blood sugar. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Candy on the other hand, is full of highly processed sugars, artificial flavors, preservatives, <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/CleanGreenToxicantFree\/photos\/a.667242560568682\/694844324475172\/?type=3\" target=\"_blank\">dyes<\/a> (hyperlink is to a Facebook post I made; see the comments too as well as <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/m.facebook.com\/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0LjSsuHmut2uUumsKEYhdydXScHQyWhyZz2s26qUTPSr61UWDoZRkQBCzVWHmX8Ypl&amp;id=594278647865074\" target=\"_blank\">this<\/a> one and <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/m.facebook.com\/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0tA47XcYfSQgogoAxwuFHHQWzYecPQzuqU78UscumHeoKGLXZqCr35AA2nSGnmNWul&amp;id=594278647865074\" target=\"_blank\">this<\/a> one), etc. Chocolate pretty much always has high levels of <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/tamararubin.com\/2013\/12\/lead-in-chocolate-really\/?fbclid=IwAR3ThyjWqsrce1eLM3GEFr8f2DtQNXofQrSGX8G5HNSpUy_iYDQjBCv1vLA\" target=\"_blank\">lead<\/a>. I also avoid <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/m.facebook.com\/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02XQ1edyhEjTMLSWjzLNzgpreWuYcgLSvKJwrn3W8NkY1eDGgxr4dEWq5K87heUQSPl&amp;id=594278647865074\" target=\"_blank\">citric acid<\/a> (many other \u201chealthy\u201d bloggers recommend treats that contain it), brown rice syrup which contains arsenic (many other \u201chealthy\u201d bloggers recommend treats that contain it, such as Yum Earth).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Food Babe wrote this about why candy is harmful:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cARTIFICIAL COLORS: Dyes derived from petroleum, linked to several health issues, including allergies and hyperactivity in children, which require a warning label in Europe. Recent research shows they may also disrupt the immune system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>ARTIFICIAL FLAVORS: Chemical mixtures produced by fractional distillation and chemical manipulation of various chemicals like crude oil or coal tar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>GMO INGREDIENTS: Crops like corn and soy that are genetically modified in a lab, many of which are designed to be resistant to dangerous pesticides like Roundup weedkiller.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>TBHQ: Controversial preservative that may harm the immune system and increase the risk of food allergies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>BHT: Risky preservative linked to cancer. Unnecessary and not permitted in most food in Europe or Australia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>CORN SYRUP: A heavily processed form of sugar typically made from the starch of GMO corn. This refined sugar has zero nutritional value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Please note: [Healthier candy] is STILL CANDY. It is a treat, it is not doing anything positive for your body, and many still contain elusive natural flavors.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. HEALTHIER ALTERNATIVES TO CANDY<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>An alternative to candy is the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.foodallergy.org\/our-initiatives\/awareness-campaigns\/living-teal\/teal-pumpkin-project\" target=\"_blank\">Teal Pumpkin Project\u00ae<\/a>: Raising awareness of food allergies through the addition of non-food trinkets and toys to your treats, making Halloween safer and more inclusive for all trick or treaters. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I am holding a trunk or treat event inspired by the Teal Pumpkin Project for my community that isn\u2019t including any candy or anything edible, so it is completely safe for those with allergies or who want to avoid sugar. I have never seen anything like it but I encourage others to do the same!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/32EC1FBD-19E6-46D9-9389-2CAE9CD2988E.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-299\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/32EC1FBD-19E6-46D9-9389-2CAE9CD2988E.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/32EC1FBD-19E6-46D9-9389-2CAE9CD2988E-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/32EC1FBD-19E6-46D9-9389-2CAE9CD2988E-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/32EC1FBD-19E6-46D9-9389-2CAE9CD2988E-768x768.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Image: Ideas for non-food items<\/em>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>For those who argue that non candy items are wasteful, the entire holiday  is wasteful including candy wrappers, which cannot be recycled*, and often get littered outside. *If you do eat candy, the foil wrapped ones might be able to be recycled if you save the foil until you have enough to make a ball the size of a tennis ball. And here is <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/zerowasteboxes.terracycle.com\/collections\/zero-waste-pouches\" target=\"_blank\">Terracycle<\/a>, a way to recycle things like candy wrappers that normally can\u2019t go in curbside recycling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>FAACT has created <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.foodallergyawareness.org\/education\/holidays\/faacts-halloween-resources?scroll=true?scroll=true\" target=\"_blank\">resources<\/a> for families with allergies, including blog posts, Pinterest boards, podcast episodes, and activities to help educate your community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Here are some healthy options for handing out to trick or treaters:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>-Whole bananas, apples, or clementines (which look like pumpkins)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>-Organic fruit leathers from Soley or Clif Bar<br \/><br \/>-Annie\u2019s Organic fruit bunnies (amazon affiliate link) <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3qXlEsl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> https:\/\/amzn.to\/3qXlEsl<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>-Skout fruit bars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>-Mini Kind or Lara bars (Amazon associates link to the ones I buy<a href=\" https:\/\/amzn.to\/3D3953D\"><s> <\/s><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3D3953D\">https:\/\/amzn.to\/3D3953D<\/a>. They aren\u2019t organic, but at least the kind bars have low sugar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>-Artisana almond butter individual packets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>-Nuts and seeds, if you can find individual packets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>-Rhythm Superfoods dried carrots or beets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>-Square Organic protein bars. Some people love these. They are expensive and the ones I\u2019ve seen have some ingredients I\u2019m not crazy about, but at least they are organic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>-Coconut Secret grain free granola bars. Note these have a significant amount of sugar, but from natural coconut. These may be discontinued. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>-Paleovalley pasture-raised turkey jerky sticks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Here are best candy items to pass out: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>-Wholesome Organic lollipops. These don\u2019t have artificial dyes, or the brown rice syrup (which contains arsenic) that other brands such as Yum Earth Pops do. Amazon affiliate link: <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3nXHxpL\">https:\/\/amzn.to\/3nXHxpL<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>-Hershey\u2019s Organic mini chocolate bars. As I mentioned, chocolate has lead, but if you\u2019re looking for this kind of classic treat, at least it\u2019s organic and has minimal ingredients (but contains dairy). Amazon Associates link: <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3eWywMr\">https:\/\/amzn.to\/3eWywMr<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>-Ocho Candy. As I mentioned, chocolate has lead, but if you\u2019re looking for this kind of classic treat, at least it\u2019s organic and has minimal ingredients; check for allergens. Amazon Associates link: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0BG6MBPLV\/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_T5JNMPW9BHV52FQCY860?_encoding=UTF8&amp;psc=1&amp;linkCode=ml2&amp;tag=cleangreentox-20\">https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0BG6MBPLV\/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_T5JNMPW9BHV52FQCY860?_encoding=UTF8&amp;psc=1&amp;linkCode=ml2&amp;tag=cleangreentox-20<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8211; Smashmallow Halloween Pack (may be discontinued)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can even get unique: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"629\" height=\"778\" src=\"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/img_2878.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2536\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/img_2878.jpg 629w, https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/img_2878-243x300.jpg 243w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 629px) 100vw, 629px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>For more snacks and treats, I have a much more thorough blog about options <a href=\"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/index.php\/2022\/04\/18\/healthy-snacks-treats-for-on-the-go-school-or-holidays\/\">here<\/a>. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And here is another <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/naturalbabymama.com\/how-to-create-a-non-toxic-halloween\/?fbclid=IwAR0ADCCKpinJbDKKp5ifDb16IjjlMuUxQLkcxeNPibYCBClH6t-MBdBoOM4\" target=\"_blank\">blog<\/a> similar to this one (written after mine).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here is a <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/m.facebook.com\/CleanGreenToxicantFree\/photos\/a.667242560568682\/667241573902114\/?type=3&amp;source=54&amp;ref=page_internal\" target=\"_blank\">sugar binge recovery guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. IDEAS FOR PARTY FOODS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You can bake a healthier (no processed sugars) pumpkin bread, cookies, apple pie, etc. Someday I\u2019ll post some recipes, but here are some photos found on the internet. For all these photos of food, I am unsure of their original source except for those with a watermark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"960\" src=\"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/01462640-7162-4082-A5AE-EA21B04E65C9.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/01462640-7162-4082-A5AE-EA21B04E65C9.jpeg 960w, https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/01462640-7162-4082-A5AE-EA21B04E65C9-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/01462640-7162-4082-A5AE-EA21B04E65C9-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/01462640-7162-4082-A5AE-EA21B04E65C9-768x768.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photos: Sweet potato pumpkin faces, fruit, and pudding (I would make chia pudding, and nuts, coconut, raisins or carob would work instead of chocolate).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"750\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/img_9788.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2439\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/img_9788.jpg 750w, https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/img_9788-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/img_9788-272x182.jpg 272w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"945\" height=\"791\" src=\"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/img_8965.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2438\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/img_8965.jpg 945w, https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/img_8965-300x251.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/img_8965-768x643.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 945px) 100vw, 945px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"720\" height=\"603\" src=\"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/img_8963.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2440\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/img_8963.jpg 720w, https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/img_8963-300x251.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"720\" height=\"960\" src=\"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/img_9787.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2441\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/img_9787.jpg 720w, https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/img_9787-225x300.jpg 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/photo-output-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/photo-output-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/photo-output-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/photo-output-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/photo-output-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/photo-output-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/photo-output-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/photo-output-45x45.jpg 45w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"480\" height=\"392\" src=\"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/img_0654-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2901\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/img_0654-1.jpg 480w, https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/img_0654-1-300x245.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Image from Dinners, Dishes and Desserts.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. COSTUMES<\/strong> \ud83e\uddd9\u200d\u2640\ufe0f<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>I love dressing up for Halloween so we definitely do that and sometimes get professional photos taken (there\u2019s another idea for you).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s definitely possible to be creative and make your own costumes with organic clothes\/ materials, but to be honest, I personally don\u2019t have the time or energy for that. I do try to buy normal clothing pieces instead of ready-made costumes, so that they can be worn again. For example, my daughter was Goldilocks so I just bought her a cute cotton yellow dress with pockets and ruffles, instead of a commercially made polyester one that was obviously a costume. And the shoes I got her have been worn regularly for the past year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes I do buy regular already made costumes, as long as they don\u2019t contain PVC or flame retardants, I\u2019m OK with it because they are worn for such a short time. I wash them before wearing, and if possible wear a layer of clothing underneath. I don\u2019t use face paint and avoid glitter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here is a fun game (from the Better Life blog) to create costumes on the fly with things around your house, as a game: First, write down all of your favorite costume ideas and put them into a bowl. Then, take turns picking one idea at a time. For each costume, set a timer for 15 minutes. All players must find things around the house to create their best costume before time runs out. When everyone has created their costume, take a vote on whose costume is the best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/tamararubin.com\/2019\/10\/lead-safe-mamas-tips-for-lead-safe-halloween-costumes-parties\/\" target=\"_blank\">Lead Safe Mama<\/a> has some great tips for safe and DIY costumes too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And a safe face paint (regarding lead. The other ingredients may not be great toxicity-wise) <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/tamararubin.com\/2017\/12\/go-green-organic-face-paint-princess-perfect-halloween\/?fbclid=IwAR1kMMUcq86TlsA9FG0tTzDTzdm5yqWswLYIKJjJ-eWXqZi68hfNrAyMDu4\" target=\"_blank\">here<\/a>. <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/m.facebook.com\/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02c6ASb2VcEKCgtJ5Yg3Akk8mWEzhsSCGZHaUD5r7NSFRTxmXNGNQf9wSBkQxf3b1Sl&amp;id=594278647865074\" target=\"_blank\">Here<\/a> is why face paint is hazardous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For white face paint you can also try using a sunscreen with zinc oxide, such as Badger brand. Be aware that zinc oxide sunscreens do have a low level of lead, but likely much lower than other face paints. Wash hands after application, and wash face when you\u2019re done celebrating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another idea I heard of but haven\u2019t tried, it\u2019s to find a very natural food dye such as India tree and paint it on the lips or cheeks with a lip brush. Also check out my <a href=\"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/index.php\/2020\/09\/05\/makeup\/\">makeup blog post.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What\u2019s wrong with conventional costumes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/groovygreenliving.com\/dangerous-chemicals-found-in-halloween-costumes\/\">http:\/\/groovygreenliving.com\/dangerous-chemicals-found-in-halloween-costumes\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/tamararubin.com\/2018\/09\/is-my-scary-witch-halloween-mask-full-of-toxic-chemicals\/?fbclid=IwAR2dnryBvpqzblzrZ1tjbkJRMCBFNtiH8rnv4UYRIgMbG-YA2wU2arZDxU4\">https:\/\/tamararubin.com\/2018\/09\/is-my-scary-witch-halloween-mask-full-of-toxic-chemicals\/?fbclid=IwAR2dnryBvpqzblzrZ1tjbkJRMCBFNtiH8rnv4UYRIgMbG-YA2wU2arZDxU4<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Beware of this kind of label: On jewelry or decorative items, a \u201cnot intended\/ recommended for children under 14 years of age\u201d label often means it has cadmium or lead (because lead has to stay under 90 PPM for items marketed to children, otherwise it is not regulated at all). So these kinds of labels can mean either they don\u2019t want to do testing to meet safety regulations, or they know that it contains heavy metals higher than the regulations. Similarly, labels that say \u201cfor decorative use only; not a toy\u201d are often for the same reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5. PUMPKINS<\/strong> \ud83c\udf83 <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Pumpkins are fun to carve and\/ or decorate, but can also be wasteful. Conventionally grown pumpkins can also be grown with pesticides\/herbicides\/fungicides, and if you look closely at the labels on pumpkins for sale, many say \u201cnot for consumption\u201d which is alarming. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What I personally do usually is buy organic pie pumpkins and decorate them but not carve. Then after Halloween I cook and eat them ! It\u2019s easiest if you stick on removable decorations, but paint could work if you cut the skin off before cooking. Carving could also still work if you cook it soon after. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Try a Thai- inspired coconut pumpkin curry; it can even be served using a pumpkin as a bowl. Don\u2019t forget to roast the seeds; I don\u2019t even wash the stringy bits off. It sounds weird but if you slow roast, say around 250 degrees, with coconut oil and a bit of salt, it will crisp up kind of like a peanut brittle and the strings will add sweetness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you don\u2019t get an edible pumpkin, other options are composting, or this, if your area permits: <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.nwf.org\/2014\/10\/how-to-recycle-halloween-pumpkins-for-wildlife\/?fbclid=IwAR0sKOWf1kdl4ZGi98ED54z9rO76v7uJfbS2iIsE2lltqV-fvGx-Yu62YB4\" target=\"_blank\">How to Recycle Halloween Pumpkins for Wildlife<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/3F94D153-7499-4714-8C13-244BC6634BB4-1024x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-357\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/3F94D153-7499-4714-8C13-244BC6634BB4-1024x1024.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/3F94D153-7499-4714-8C13-244BC6634BB4-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/3F94D153-7499-4714-8C13-244BC6634BB4-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/3F94D153-7499-4714-8C13-244BC6634BB4-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/3F94D153-7499-4714-8C13-244BC6634BB4.jpeg 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>6. DECORATIONS<\/strong> \ud83e\udddf\u200d\u2642\ufe0f<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember that decorative items are not regulated for heavy metals and often contain them, as well as toxic materials like PVC. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The simplest, very least toxic and least wasteful decor is using natural ideas like pumpkins and squashes (ideally organic), and then eating them ! See if you can find an organic pumpkin patch, or even consider growing your own! That way you can choose different varieties if you like, such as the beautiful princess (Japanese Heirloom) type in the top right of the top picture in this post.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Other good materials for decorations are wood, hard unpainted plastic, or fabric. To avoid lead, avoid ceramic and painted items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>7<\/strong>. <strong>OPTIONS FOR CELEBRATING IN THE AGE OF COVID<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The following section was written in 2020. While things have largely relaxed in regards to Covid, some parts of this are still useful (avoiding spreading germs is always a good thing), especially if you\u2019re immune-compromised, sick, or otherwise can\u2019t do traditional trick or treating. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I am in quite a few mom groups, and a big discussion topic lately is Halloween plans. The amount of people saying that they\u2019re going to have a party instead of trick-or-treating because they are worried about germs, is astounding. We have a saying in the non-toxic world about not replacing one toxin for another. Along that logic, realize that this could be exchanging one high-risk activity for another. <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theatlantic.com\/health\/archive\/2020\/07\/why-arent-we-talking-more-about-airborne-transmission\/614737\/\" target=\"_blank\">Contained spaces with<\/a> groups of people (doesn\u2019t matter how well you know them) are certainly at the top of the high risk list. Virtual gatherings to show off costumes are another idea. If you do choose to have a party, a HEPA air purifier might help; see my <strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/index.php\/2020\/09\/22\/air-purifiers-filters-for-fires-and-everyday\/\" target=\"_blank\">air purifier<\/a><\/strong> post.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you do want to do trick-or-treating, it\u2019s possible to do so with less-risk, according to the CDC: Participating in one-way trick-or-treating where goodie bags (or I would think spreading out treats on a table; not in a bowl) that can be quickly grabbed while continuing to physical distance (such as having the table at the end of a driveway or at the edge of a yard, and the givers could be at the top of the driveway). If you are preparing goodie bags or spreading out treats, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/handwashing\/when-how-handwashing.html\">wash your hands<\/a> with soap and water for at least 20 second before and after preparing the bags. This scenario assumes cooperation from all involved, but if you could get neighborhoods or towns on board, it could work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"565\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/5F425D1C-1252-4B5F-8B06-59AF06B3D62F-565x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-337\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/5F425D1C-1252-4B5F-8B06-59AF06B3D62F-565x1024.jpeg 565w, https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/5F425D1C-1252-4B5F-8B06-59AF06B3D62F-166x300.jpeg 166w, https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/5F425D1C-1252-4B5F-8B06-59AF06B3D62F-768x1392.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/5F425D1C-1252-4B5F-8B06-59AF06B3D62F-847x1536.jpeg 847w, https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/5F425D1C-1252-4B5F-8B06-59AF06B3D62F-300x544.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/5F425D1C-1252-4B5F-8B06-59AF06B3D62F.jpeg 1125w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 565px) 100vw, 565px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>A creative way to give out candy.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Many of the people on the mom-group forums were also saying they plan to use hand sanitizer on their kids after every house while trick or treating. Those aren\u2019t meant to be used that frequently, and many sanitizer products are full of chemicals, additives, and toxic fragrances, so using those so many times is concerning. I do have some better ones recommended in my&nbsp;<strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/index.php\/2020\/08\/28\/cleaning-and-disinfecting\/\" target=\"_blank\">disinfecting blog<\/a><\/strong>, but they still contain alcohol which at the very least can be drying to the skin (and I\u2019ve seen it argued that this may make you more susceptible to germs).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are concerned about touching the candy, other creative ideas I had were to incorporate tongs, grabbers, or gloves as part of costumes. Definitely wash hands as soon as you can. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another idea is to use Covid as excuse to play \u201cSwitch Witch\u201d and exchange the candy collected from trick or treating, with your own goodies (see sections above for some suggestions). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you do want to eat the candy from trick or treating, you could put it under quarantine for a few days, since the virus degrades quickly from <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/opinions\/2020\/03\/26\/dont-panic-about-shopping-getting-delivery-or-accepting-packages\/?fbclid=IwAR2SzVBf4zf6_0TL7cI9_OCBmik8bwl99ldEqkK-mak8V0AcqSSgXLt43ik&amp;utm_campaign=wp_post_most&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=newsletter&amp;wpisrc=nl_most\" target=\"_blank\">surfaces<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you choose not to provide treats for trick or treaters, please be polite about it. I saw one woman declaring she was going to make a sign at the end of her driveway expressing that she didn\u2019t want anyone coming anywhere near her house. Remember that there are children around, so if you choose to make such a sign, please be as kind as possible with your written (or potentially spoken) words. Let\u2019s keep Halloween sane and peaceful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The CDC also <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/coronavirus\/2019-ncov\/daily-life-coping\/holidays.html?fbclid=IwAR1vVoOAqZs-dHDbBnf103vwajbAj5RFFThSsjppHyTOTnF1GKZkY7hdMjU#halloween\" target=\"_blank\">ranked Halloween activities<\/a> by level of risk, if you\u2019re considering haunted houses, hay rides or other things. Outdoor activities are generally considered very low risk. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you decide to stay home, there are many creative alternatives to Trick or Treating. My favorite idea is doing a scavenger or egg hunt. The plastic Easter eggs aren\u2019t the most eco-friendly thing in the world, but not the worst either. They can at least be re-used. I personally would fill with non-candy items. If you want to maintain a semblance of trick or treating, an idea is to let your kids come to all the different doors of your own house and you give them treats\/ trinkets. You could also have games, put on a play, read books, and maybe even discuss the cultural origins of Halloween and Day of the Dead traditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember that young kids especially will likely be excited about any kind of celebrating, so be positive! One benefit of staying inside is that you can wear costumes that your local climate may not usually allow because it\u2019s prohibitively cold or hot outside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>To check out new and additional posts, please visit and \u201clike\u201d the Clean Green Toxicant Free <a href=\"https:\/\/m.facebook.com\/CleanGreenToxicantFree\/\">Facebook page<\/a>. Thanks!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>***Thank you for visiting Clean Green Toxicant Free! I started this site simply because I want to help people and share information. I dig deep and seek the most truly non-toxic products, without bias. I am not paid to write anything and I don\u2019t sell anything. In 2022 I became an Amazon Associate, which does NOT bias my recommendations. I may earn small dividends from purchases made after clicking my clearly labeled amazon affiliate links (even if you don\u2019t buy those specific items), which covers the costs I pay to maintain this site, at no cost to you. More info is on the <a href=\"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/index.php\/about-this-website\/\">About This Website <\/a>page.***<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Updated October 2023 I originally wrote this post in 2020, during the height of Covid. There was much discussion happening on mom forums about how to celebrate while avoiding Covid, but every single suggestion about trick or treating alternatives still involved lots of candy and sweets, and there was no consideration that sugar impacts your <a class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/index.php\/2020\/09\/24\/halloween-conscious-of-covid-19-toxicants-and-health\/\">READ MORE<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2390,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"spay_email":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[32,31,33,12,4],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/img_0023.jpg","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":1877,"url":"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/index.php\/2022\/04\/18\/healthy-snacks-treats-for-on-the-go-school-or-holidays\/","url_meta":{"origin":295,"position":0},"title":"Healthy Snacks &amp; Treats \ud83c\udf6cfor On the Go, School, or Holidays (Avoiding Sugar and Allergens)","date":"April 18, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"Updated September 2024 There are more and more products marketed as healthy these days, but if you\u2019re like me, you look closely at the labels and realize that they\u2019re not really (in my opinion). My list is all (except the last category for refrigerated things) able to be taken on\u2026","rel":"","context":"With 1 comment","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/5a05a214-2ef1-49a7-972e-31d9ece5d040.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":1848,"url":"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/index.php\/2022\/04\/17\/healthy-easter-ideas\/","url_meta":{"origin":295,"position":1},"title":"Non-Toxic Easter \ud83d\udc23 Ideas that Avoid Sugar","date":"April 17, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"The main point of this post is to encourage you to think outside the box a bit. You don\u2019t HAVE to give candy, or baskets at all. You don\u2019t have to fill Easter eggs with candy. You CAN still have eggs, unconventional Easter baskets, creative activities and crafts, and healthy\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Holidays&quot;","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/copy-of-blue-green-illustrated-easter-egg-hunt-poster-1.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":2606,"url":"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/index.php\/2022\/12\/26\/vegan-lower-sugar-decorating-frosting\/","url_meta":{"origin":295,"position":2},"title":"Vegan, Lower Sugar Decorating Frosting","date":"December 26, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"This recipe makes quite a bit of frosting. If you have excess, it can be frozen. or you can try to cut the recipe in half. This post may contain Amazon Associates affiliate links, that I may earn small amounts from. See the bottom of this page for more details.\u2026","rel":"","context":"In \"cake\"","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/img_8313.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":3027,"url":"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/index.php\/2023\/12\/26\/healthy-no-sugar-hot-cacao\/","url_meta":{"origin":295,"position":3},"title":"Healthy, No Sugar Hot Cacao! \u2615\ufe0f","date":"December 26, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"This post may contain Amazon Associates affiliate links, that I may earn small amounts from. See the bottom of this page for more details. Ingredients: 2 cups organic milk alternative2 tablespoons organic raw cacao powder (I use Navitas; the lowest lead option I have found: https:\/\/amzn.to\/3N0WOCG Amazon associates links)1 teaspoon\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Recipes&quot;","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/img_3893-1.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":2978,"url":"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/index.php\/2023\/11\/29\/no-sugar-molten-chocolate-lava-cakes\/","url_meta":{"origin":295,"position":4},"title":"No Sugar Molten Chocolate Lava Cakes","date":"November 29, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"INTRODUCTION: I created something deliciously decadent, without the guilt! The cake part has no sugar added, and if you use the Thrive Market sauce, that has no sugar added as well! It tastes rich and flavorful with a surprise inside! In the future I'll try this again with Alter Eco\u2026","rel":"","context":"Similar post","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/we-love-chocolate-brown-craft-instagram-story-1.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":2743,"url":"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/index.php\/2023\/06\/03\/vegan-white-cake-recipe-with-lower-sugar-and-gluten-free-options\/","url_meta":{"origin":295,"position":5},"title":"Vegan White Cake Recipe with Lower Sugar and Gluten Free Options \ud83c\udf70","date":"June 3, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"Ingredients: \u2022 2 \u2154 cups Organic All Purpose Flour (330g) or you can experiment with gluten- free flours substitutes. \u2022 1 1\/4 cups Organic White Granulated Sugar (300g) OR you can experiment with using applesauce instead, at a 1 to one ratio. So 1 \u00bc cups applesauce. You may find\u2026","rel":"","context":"In \"cake\"","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/9ce3f771-cabe-4fd4-b309-5500c1db1f7f.png?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/295"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=295"}],"version-history":[{"count":112,"href":"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/295\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3962,"href":"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/295\/revisions\/3962"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2390"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=295"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=295"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cleangreentoxicantfree.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=295"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}