Simi Valley, California, October 19, 2007 – This year, Halloween doesn’t have to be only orange and black — with a little creativity, you can add a touch of green to the eerie holiday. Traditionally, Halloween is a holiday that conjures up spooky spells and tall tales. It’s when the children trick and treat to their heart’s content. But kids and parents can do things this Halloween to help enrich their community and environment. Waste Management of Ventura County wants to educate parents and children on how make this Halloween a green Halloween. As many children get ready to put the fright in everyone, both parents and their kids can work together to have fun and create some cool projects. “We encourage the community to be eco-friendly at every occasion and holiday,” said Mike Smith, market area general manager of Waste Management of Ventura County. “We ask parents and children to recycle materials to save money and create less waste in our landfills.” Here a few tips to put a little green in your Halloween:

• Reuse and recycle old costumes. As your children dress up as their favorite cartoon characters, princesses and scary monsters, the price of costumes can be costly, but does not have to be. About.com suggests that you can get bargains and inexpensive costumes from thrift stores and yard sales. These sources are cheap and kids can create their costumes without ruining their own clothing. Parents can reuse and recycle their clothes and tailor them into costumes for their kids.



• Pumpkins are a holiday favorite. The problem is what to do with them after they scare the neighborhood. They can be messy, but they can be recycled. Recycle Now says when making jack-o-lanterns, put the seeds and pulp a compost bin or pile. After Halloween is over, the shell can be tossed in the bin, too. Composting is the controlled decomposition of biodegradable organic matter, producing compost, which is one of nature's best mulches that can be used instead of commercial fertilizers. Roasted pumpkin seeds are also tasty, and the meat of the pumpkin can make a delicious pie or tasty muffins.



• Trick or treating also can be green. You can walk instead of driving your car. You can use reusable bags instead of plastic disposable bags. Use rechargeable batteries for flashlights or candles to use on those dark roads. Every kid loves candy. Conscientious consumers can find an increasing variety of eco-friendly candy from organic chocolate to organic lollipops online and from local organic groceries and health food stores. Organic candies can satisfy a sweet tooth without compromising health, and they are produced using methods that don’t damage the environment.

Waste Management provides Ventura County with recycling, trash hauling and solid waste disposal through G.I. Industries and the Simi Valley Landfill and Recycling Center. Waste Management has owned and operated G.I. Industries since 1998 and the SVLRC site since 1983 and employs more than 230 people in Ventura County. The SVLRC provides approximately 60% of Ventura County's daily refuse disposal needs. The company operates a “green power” program at the site that generates enough power for 2,500 homes, and clean-burning LNG powers 38 of its trucks. Waste Management is a significant contributor to area community groups. For more information visit our website www.keepingventuracountyclean.com.