Get the latest delivered to your inbox
Privacy Policy

Now Reading

Popular Green Halloween® Revolution Becomes Program of Green America

National, grassroots Green Halloween Program Is back again for 2012 festivities, now even bigger than before

Popular Green Halloween® Revolution Becomes Program of Green America

National, grassroots Green Halloween Program Is back again for 2012 festivities, now even bigger than before

Published 08-01-12

Submitted by Green America

Green America, the country’s forefront green economy organization, and Green Halloween®, a national effort to make the holiday more sustainable, have teamed up to grow the movement for healthier and more eco-friendly Halloween celebrations.

Co-founded in 2006 by Seattle-based mother-daughter team, Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson, Green Halloween and its sister-program, National Costume Swap Day™ (launched 2010), have expanded to reach communities coast-to-coast. For the past five seasons, Lynn and Corey have led the programs in collaboration with dozens of volunteers, community leaders, health and eco-focused brands, and local and national non-profits. EcoMom® Alliance, a network of moms committed to sustainable and healthy choices, has been the non-profit steward of Green Halloween since 2010.

In 2011, the initiatives reached more than one million people via approximately 30 official public celebrations, 50 trick-or-treating events at zoos and aquariums and over 200 community-based costume swaps across the U.S. and in Canada.  At these events, Green Halloween replaced over 1 million pieces of conventional candy with healthier and more sustainable options, such as Honest Kids juice, Lärabars, Endangered Species chocolate, Stretch Island Fruit strips, and Plum Kids treats.  In 2012, the program is expected to grow even more.

“Every year, the enthusiasm surrounding Green Halloween and National Costume Swap Day is just enormous,” says Colwell-Lipson. “Communities all across the country are asking how they can be involved.  The potential to ‘grow the good’ is truly limitless and I have no doubt that Green America will do a phenomenal job leading the programs into the next stage of growth, while sustaining the original vision: healthier and more Earth-friendly celebrations that keep all the fun.”

"We are thrilled to support the evolution of Green Halloween becoming a program of Green America,” says EcoMom® Alliance Founder, Kimberly Danek Pinkson. “Collaboration has always been an integral part of our commitment to propelling sustainable living—we were honored to work with Green Halloween Founder Corey Colwell Lipson, and look forward to an exciting future working with the Green America/Green Festivals team."

“Green Halloween is exactly the sort of program we love to support,” says Alisa Gravitz, Green America’s Executive Director, “Like Green America, it is equally committed to both people AND planet.  Additionally, it is a solution-based approach that uses the collective power of consumers to grow the green economy.”

Green Halloween has once again teamed up with the National Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and will additionally be partnering with the American Library Association to host costume swaps on National Costume Swap Day (October 13).  This year’s partners include Honest Tea, Lärabar, Stretch Island Fruit Company, Cascadian Farms, Endangered Species, Plum Organics, Surf Sweets and more.

To find out more about Green Halloween and how you can participate visit www.GreenHalloween.org and www.CostumeSwapDay.com. Schools, community and government groups, dentists and doctors, all will find easy-to-implement ideas. Look for official Green Halloween® events in your local area by visiting www.GreenHalloween.org or create your own with tips and resources from Green Halloween and its sponsors.

ABOUT:

GREEN HALLOWEEN® is a grassroots community initiative that helps families celebrate healthier and environmentally-friendly holidays, starting with Halloween. The initiative, along with its sister program, National Costume Swap Day™, became programs of Green America in July 2012.  www.GreenHalloween.org

GREEN AMERICA is the nation’s leading green economy organization. Founded in 1982, Green America (formerly Co-op America) provides the economic strategies, organizing power and practical tools for businesses and individuals to solve today's social and environmental problems. www.GreenAmerica.org

ECOMOM® ALLIANCE is a non-profit 501-c-3 organization nurturing, connecting, and empowering mothers to create a healthy and sustainable world. By sharing connection, information, and resources, EcoMom® Alliance supports mothers in making healthier choices in their homes and communities, the effects of which ripple out and protect our children and environment for generations to come.  www.EcoMomAlliance.org

THE GREEN YEAR® is co-owned by mother-daughter team, and Green Halloween/National Costume Swap Day founders, Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson. They’re also co-authors of the book, Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family. www.CelebrateGreen.net

Green America logo

Green America

Green America

Green America is United States' leading green economy organization. Founded in 1982, Green America provides the economic strategies, organizing power and practical tools for businesses and individuals to solve today's social and environmental problems. Green America's green economy programs encourage corporate responsibility, tackle climate change, build fair trading systems, advance healthy, local communities, and provide green purchasing and investing information for families and businesses. To receive Green America's popular publications, including the Green American and the National Green Pages™, participate in Green Festivals, or to get its free e-newsletter, providing the latest green news, green discounts, and opportunities to take action for a green economy, visit http://www.GreenAmerica.org, email info@GreenAmericaToday.org, or call at 800-58-GREEN.

More from Green America

Join today and get the latest delivered to your inbox