I enjoy the unique smells associated with fall – the brisk air, the smell of apples and apple cider, pumpkin pies baking, and, of couse, maybe a candy apple or two.  However, anyone that knows me knows that I DESPISE the artificial nasty smell of those fake cinnamon brooms that come out in September and somehow linger until January. And there’s good reason.

Artificial fragrances contain LOTS of chemicals – especially phthalates. Some phthalates are suspected of messing with your hormones, just like BPA.  That’s the long term scary stuff. The short term misery comes in smelling those nasty fake fragrances that smell like a $2 bottle of cologne. Seriously, people.  I boycott stores that carry these things because I will not be sick.  These smells linger and contaminate the entire indoor air of a store, so in my region of the world, Publix, JoAnns, Michaels, Home Depot and many others just don’t get my business.  I’ve talked to store managers and suggest you do, too, because it’s not fair for everyone to have to be exposed to these nasty products that contaminate the very air you breathe while trying to give a store your hard earned money. Tell a manager that you’re not shopping there until you can breathe easier.

So, now that I’m off my rampage, how can you enjoy the distinct smells of fall without all of the chemical inhaling? Simply use all natural products!

• Bake a pumpkin pie to get that pumpkin pie smell – it’s yummy and so much healthier (pumpkin is packed with vitamins, by the way!)
• Bake an apple pie (or just put a piece on a low reheat in the oven to get that smell without the work)
• Simmer some cinnamon in a small pot with some water.  Add cloves and other herbs and spices if you’d like.
• Use candles made ONLY with essential oils and plant derived ingredients – not WITH essential oils – which pretty much means nothing, since you don’t know the percentage in the ingredients.
• Use an all natural air freshener – like this one from Aura Cacia that is rich with cloves and spices.

The ideas are simple and all are essentially the same. To get the amazing smells of nature, actually use natural products!  When you stop trying to hurry through life by finding an artificial alternative that can be quickly sprayed, you get the amazing pleasure of being able to appreciate God’s creation and actually stop and enjoy it for what it is.

Trick or treaters roam the streets for just one thing – Candy!  But, let’s face it – candy only lasts for a very short time, and many parents end up confiscating the goods once the kids get back home, anyway.  So why not hand out something that will last for more than just 5 seconds, without all the waste of individual candy packaging, too.

There are all kinds of non-candy treats you can hand out on Halloween and at Fall carnivals.  Stickers, pencils, whistles, small toys, etc. are all things that will amuse the kids without a sugar rush.

If you’re looking for something a little different to pass out to the kids, why not try these cool RECYCLED crayons.  Betcha didn’t know you could even recycle crayons, huh?! These fun favors come in all different shapes and sizes. Made with 100% recycled, non-toxic crayons, these eco-friendly favors are fun for hours of creativity long after Halloween is over.  Buy some online at Eco Party Time.

Looking for something for the older kids? How about these yummy lip balms made with real organic chocolate? It’s like getting candy for Halloween, but it will last for much, much longer.  Made with Dagoba Organic Chocolate, these Eco Lips lip balms are decadent and yummy and great for the Tween set.

There’s a lot of options available when it comes to Halloween party favors, so be creative!  Everyone knows that at this time of year, there’s too much candy being passed out.  Kids and parents alike will be thankful for something that will still be around on November 1.

It’s always the same problem – you carve a jack o’lantern and you’re stuck with all of this gooey orange mess from the inside. What to do with it??

Throwing away the insides of a pumpkin is much like tossing a bunch of vitamins in the trash. Pumpkin seeds are chock full of minerals and vitamins, and they make a nutritious snack, and, hey, it’s free!

Delicious Living Magazine suggests roasting pumpkin seeds at 325 degrees for 30-45 minutes, or until toasted. The time and temperature really depends on you and your oven, so experiment and see.

The important aspect of roasting pumpkin seeds to eat, though, is that you’ve got to get all of the pulp off before trying to toast them. Wash the seeds and get the pulp off first. Then roll them in a towel to remove the moisture.  Then comes the fun part. Coat them with olive oil or your favorite oil and spread along a cookie sheet.

The flavor combo is then up to you.  Keep them au naturel or get exotic. Try cajun spices or hot pepper sprinkled over the seeds before roasting.  Want something more savory? Try cinnamon. Any combination of spices and flavors in your cabinet is fair game to add some flavor to these nutrition-packed seeds.

And if you’re not into roasting pumpkin seeds, or your batch didn’t come out quite as planned, remember that leftover pumpkin is a great addition to the composter!

Got a real pumpkin on your list of things to buy this season? Most people do, whether to carve as a jack o’ lantern or simply to add a Fall touch to their indoor or outdoor decor.

Pumpkins are everywhere, from grocery stores to home improvement stores. But why not directly support the local farmers that help you to grow these icons of the season?

Choosing a pumpkin at a local roadside stand, along with some delicious apples and fresh apple cider, signals the start of Fall for me. Maybe you live in an urban setting with no local farmers and roadside stands, though.  Well, how about taking a drive to the country (it’s a great weekend family event!) or supporting a church or charity that is selling pumpkins in order to raise money for a worthwhile cause.

Perhaps it’s because I grew up in the country, but I just can’t imagine picking out a pumpkin by pulling it out of a large cardboard box and putting in on the conveyor belt along with a new toothbrush and some cleaning supplies.  Not that I haven’t had to resort to that once or twice in the past, but more often than not, picking out pumpkins is an event just as important as Halloween.

So find a local farm – www.localharvest.org can help. Go to a farmer’s market or co-op. Take a drive to the country. Look for pumpkin patches at a nearby place of worship. Support a local charity that might be selling pumpkins. When it comes to sharing the joy and spirit of the season, let’s do what we can when we can to directly support those people who are working so hard for all of us.

Kimberly Button
October 26, 2010

Kimberly Button is the creator of Get Green Be Well, and is a green living enthusiast, journalist and founder of greenWell, an eco-wellness consulting company in Orlando, FL.

Note: This Perspectives Blog post is written by a Guest Blogger of DrGreene.com and is provided in order to offer a variety of thoughtful points of view. The opinions expressed on this Perspectives Blog post do not reflect the opinions of Dr. Greene or DrGreene.com. As such, Dr. Greene and DrGreene.com are not responsible for the accuracy of the information supplied. This post is used under Creative Commons License CC BY-ND 3.0.

Sure, recycling is good.  But upcycling is better.  It’s not enough to use a product once and recycle it.  It’s so much better to use it again and again before heading to the recycling or compost heap.  Whether you’re a crafter or just enjoy unique artwork and decor, you might find that products made from recycled materials are just SO cool!

Take, for example, these cute fall themed items from Night Owl Paper Goods.  Made with upcycled sweaters, acorns and leftover bits from their manufacturing process of creating wooden greeting cards these cuties are great for decorating the house this season.

Of course, if you’re a crafter or want to get your kids in on sustainable crafting projects, there are plenty of great books available, such as Green Crafts for Children and Craftcycle. Find a project that’s specific for the fall, use an idea for a Halloween costume, or just find a way to use up some of the items that you might accumulate over the holiday season.  Enjoy!