Tasty Green Halloween Treats

Parents: Is the anticipation of the oncoming seasonal sugar rush keeping you up at night?  Are you already planning how you’re going to control your child’s intake?

While there’s only so much you can do to control what your kids collect on their rounds, you can set an example by handing out alternatives to the norm and encouraging friends to do the same.  Here are some ideas that are not only healthier—they’re better for the environment!

Food Alternatives to Candy

Here are some candy alternatives that will be smiled on by parents, approved by dentists, and appreciated by kids too:

• Organic fruit leather
• Packs of dried fruit
• Organic snack bars, fruit snacks, or granola bars
• Varieties of organic chips, popcorn, sunflower, or pumpkin seeds
• Flavored (or plain) honey or agave sticks

Non-Food Items

Handing out “treasures” can be a wonderful and easy alternative to food items.  If this is more your style, look for small, Fair Trade or locally crafted party favors.  Shop the Global Exchange Store for some ideas.  Depending what kind of a collector you are, you may not have to buy anything!

One idea is to have a basket full of random trinkets so kids can choose for themselves rather than being handed something like beach glass when they were expecting candy.  Having a basketful of treasures to choose from is sure to be enticing for most.  Of course, be conscious of age as you create your treasure trove—maybe make a couple of baskets, one for older children and one for younger.

Here are some ideas for what to include:

• Seashells, whistles, buttons, beach glass, tops, stickers, stamps, soy crayons, beads, marbles, bottle caps, or foreign currency.

• Or if you’re more the crafty type, grab some extra fabric and sew up some small beanbags.

• If you want to hand out something more substantial, consider small games or arts and craft items.

Candy

• ChocolateGo with Fair Trade certified chocolate.  Child labor, inequitably-paid farmers, pesticides, and environmental degradation are all associated with deregulated cacao production.  Fair Trade certification is the best assurance you have that you’re supporting fair and environmentally sustainable farming practices.  In honor of Fair Trade Month, Global Exchange is tossing in a free box of chocolate with each purchase.

• Other candyCheck out the online Natural Candy Store for ideas and ingredients to look for when you shop for healthier, more natural candy choices.  The store contains veggie, gluten-free, and organic sweet snacks.  Choosing organic is always a good place to start.  Visit your local health food store or browse the organic section of your food store.  Read ingredients and choose products without high fructose corn syrup, trans-fats, hydrogenated oils, and artificial colors and flavors.