It's probably pretty easy to forget about being green on Halloween. I mean, the day comes upon us so quickly and then ends just as fast. All we have left to show for it is mounds of itty bitty chocolate bar wrappers in the garbage bin under our desks (I'm extra guilty of that one) and a long-lasting sugar high. But just because Halloween is a one-day event, it doesn't mean you have to let go of your eco-conscious ways. There are many ways to practice being green, and I recommend you start with you kids. National Geographic's Green Guide explains that the Halloween makeup kits your kids use contain many harmful ingredients. Even though these kits may be labeled "safe" or "non-toxic," you're better off heading to natural food and health stores to find makeup and nail polish that is free of phthalates (a.k.a. fragrance) and other harmful ingredients. Sure, they may be more expensive, but regulate their use and keep the makeup for yourself. Really, is there a better excuse to go makeup shopping? Also, the Green Guide recommends making your own makeup for those fake cuts, bruises and scrapes by using items like corn starch, syrup, food colouring, shortening and cornmeal. It's a great way to get your kids involved, and you can control what gets put into the makeup. Check out this website for great homemade Halloween makeup recipes. Some other things to consider: • Take your kids on a trip to any farmer's market to purchase an organic, pesticide-free pumpkin. Also, don't just use the pumpkin for carving purposes, use the whole darn thing. Pick out all those seeds and make toasted pumpkin seeds with your kids. They make a yummy and healthy snack. • Don't use plastic bags or a plastic container to hold all those treats. Give your kid a pillow case to use. • Consider a homemade costume. Lots of masks, fake teeth and plastic costumes contain polyvinyl chloride (PVC) - better known as vinyl. According to eco-guru Adria Vasil, PVC is "the biggest eco-villain of all." It's also a human carcinogen. Have an arts and crafts day with your kids and make Halloween masks out of paper-mâché, paper plates, or whatever else you have on hand. If you must buy a costume, look for latex products. For more ideas on greening your Halloween, check out our photo gallery How to have a green Halloween. Read more: • How to choose eco-friendly makeup • 7 steps to eco-friendly shopping