Green Lane In Canada, Halloween spending accounted for approximately $1.5 billion in sales in 2007. Here are some tips to put creative fun back into Halloween, save money, and keep it healthier and greener:
Costumes
The key to a green costume is reuse. Rummage through the closet to find old clothes to create one-of-a-kind costumes. Let your child’s imagination lead the way. For inspiration look through magazines or at websites like familyeducation.com which has all sorts of creative and hilarious costumes. Face make-up is fun to use and does not impair vision like a mask often does. Make-up kits can be used over and over but make sure they use non-toxic materials.
Decorations
In décor, less is more and with a little planning and creativity, even the least handy DIYers can put together fun Halloween decorations. Pumpkins can be used in recipes after carving if no toxic materials or candles are used in them and of course seeds can also be roasted.
by Robert White
Treats
Green Halloween
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hrough the magic of marketing, Halloween has become commercialized. Homemade costumes and carving pumpkins is being replaced by a complete industry dedicated to increasing consumer spending and thus resource use and waste. Stores begin stocking with decorations, lights, and costumes right after Labour Day. In terms of consumer spending, Halloween is now the second biggest decorating holiday after Christmas according to Selling Halloween, a magazine dedicated to Halloween retailers.
Collect treats in a reusable cloth or canvas bag or a heavyduty pillow case. Cut back on candy by giving out “treasures,” such as pencils, erasers, polished rocks, stickers, dimes or quarters, glass beads, seeds, or Play-Doh.
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Keep your eyes open for healthier treats from responsible companies. Try quality fruit snacks, granola bars, small packs of raisins, or small bags of sunflower seeds. Check out green Halloween websites for inspiration. Have a safe and happy Halloween!
EVENTS Climate Change Walk October 24 A host of local environmental groups are inviting people to gather and share food, fun, art, environmental awareness, and action! Commencing at Kinsmen Park (25th St. and Spadina Cres.) at 10am, the walk will proceed through downtown, to the Farmer’s Market patio, where there will be speakers, food, and a fair trade fair. This local event is part of global events linked to the 350.org movement, focused on the need to reduce carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere below 350 parts per million – the safe upper limit now widely agreed upon by scientists. Building Saskatchewan Green Conference & Expo Oct. 29 - 30, TCU Place. A sustainable building and design conference with workshops and keynotes. Call 3846044 or register at www.buildsaskgreen.ca. Sustainable Water & Sustainable Energy Conference Nov. 3- 5, Saskatoon Inn. Details at saskriverbasin.ca.
Nuts have healthy benefits!
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recent study shows almonds may offer a helpful boost for those trying to lose weight without compromising their health. According to a study presented at the North American Association for the Study of Obesity: The Obesity Society Annual Scientific Meeting, a handful of almonds may actually aid weight management. Obesity statistics are on the rise worldwide — 27 percent of men and 38 percent of women are clinically obese in some parts of Europe and 34 percent the people in the United States. Many are trying to fight back, a fact that is born out by retail market for weight management products, a $3.93 billion industry in the United States. For those working to tip the scale back to a healthy weight, a handful of almonds may be just the thing you need to include in your overall weight management program. According to the study, almonds may be able to help you manage your weight by helping you have the feeling of fullness, known as satiety. The study reports that eating a handful or two of almonds every day may help boost willpower and help you avoid “grazing” in between meals or reverting to old habit to stave off hunger pangs. Study participants consumed two servings (300 calories) of almonds each day for 10 weeks. At the end of the study, the research leader, Richard Mattes from Purdue University, said, “We concluded that the women found their daily almond snack to be very filling, and so they naturally compensated in their caloric intake at other times of the day,” said Mattes. In other words, almond consumption could create a feeling of satiety, thus displacing other foods from the diet and leading to a stable weight.
Cremation Serving families that choose
Cremations :: Memorial Services :: Monuments If your choice will be cremation ...
New Horizons for Seniors Program Call for Proposals
Call our family-owned Cremation Centre directly.
The Government of Canada is accepting applications for Capital Assistance funding under the New Horizons for Seniors Program.
Our on-site crematorium means your loved one never leaves our care. Kevin Martens
Funeral Director/Owner
This funding helps non-profit organizations renovate the facilities or replace the equipment they use for existing seniors programs and activities. The deadline for applications is November 6, 2009.
1-800-277-9914 TTY: 1-800-255-4786 www.hrsdc.gc.ca/seniors 591 Centennial Drive N, Martensville (8 min north of Saskatoon)
242-7888
www.cherished-memories.ca 20
Section A • October, 21 2009 • w w w . t h e n e i g h b o u r h o o d e x p r e s s . c o m
• Saskatoon