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Why It's Good:

These multi-colored bulbs are larger and have a cool retro-style - great for both the tree and your outdoor decorating.

Why It's Green:

LED lights use only 10 percent of the power that traditional ones do. Plus, they'll make your holiday decorating easier - they last about 10 years longer than traditional lights and if one bulb goes out, it doesn't affect the whole strand!

Where To Get It:

www.lowes.com | $19.97

Dear Mr. Green,

Recently my husband and I purchased a new energy efficient washer and dryer that use much less water and detergent, and really clean our clothes better than our old washer and dryer.

I would love to use some of the safe time-trusted suggestions that you've recommended in your book Clean: The Humble Art of Zen-Cleansing. If the manufacturer recommends only one type of detergent for use in this machine, is it safe to use baking soda, borax, lemon juice, salt and vinegar in my new front-loading energy efficient washing machine and still keep it in tip-top running condition?

Mags

For many years, I've heard the same refrain: "This year, I'm going to cut back on my holiday shopping". And yet this year, I think people really mean it. Our poor global economy, U.S. recession, high unemployment rates and bleak immediate economic outlook all contribute to increased spending scrutiny.

Not just an expense
But it isn't likely that most folks will just boycott the holidays altogether. Holiday gift giving is more than just an expense. It encompasses determining the actual gift recipient list and taking the time to find an appropriate gift. It isn't about how much one spends on the gift. Our time and effort, while valuable, are free. Maybe this is the year to give the gift of time to those on your gift list. Offer to run errands for an elderly person or a night of babysitting to a harried mom.

Dear Mr. Green,

What are some good green Halloween treats to give that will help avoid any tricks in return!

Happy Halloween!

How to prevent scaring yourself and your kids' post-Halloween bash? It's frightening how much sugar our kids consume on October 31st. Instead of giving yours and your neighbor's kids tons of sugar and toxins, have fun with real food.

Halloween is the party season kick-off. If you are planning a Halloween party, let's give something good for our kids to eat. But, what's good to eat? I don't like the idea of giving kids Kit-Kat bars or gummy bears. At the same time, I want to see excitement on kids' faces during Halloween as much as you do. I've put together a list of food that you can decorate the house for your party and serve to all the kids (big and small). Kids can help you create this spooky crafts!

Dear Mr. Green,

Can you tell us an eco-horror story to get us in the Halloween Spirit?!

Thanks!
The Green Ghoulies

From GreenHalloween.org:

It's really not about the candy. Kids have fun when their parents get involved and have fun themselves. Part of being green is focusing on people instead of things, so try to reduce the amount of 'things' you incorporate into your Halloween by increasing the focus on fun. Here are some ideas for making your Green Halloween fun for your kids and for you:

- Make a big deal of your child's costume - getting dressed, taking pictures, etc.
- Have a neighborhood party and forgo trick-or-treating all together. Ask your child's school to consider making their Halloween celebration green as well.
- Have a charity-themed party. Instead of giving out prizes for games, allow children to pick from a list of charities and make a donation in their name.
- Have a Halloween gratitude party. Deliver handmade cards to your local farmer and take a tour of his/her field. Arrange before hand for each child to bring a mini pumpkin home.
- Talk to your neighbors about what they will be giving away in advance. One option is to trick-or-treat only at homes where you know Green Halloween items will be passed out.
- Show your Green by displaying your own Green Halloween sign and ask your Green Halloween neighbors to do the same. Turn looking for the signs into a hunt for treasures. The Green Halloween sign on your own door will announce to trick-or-treaters that they're in for a great surprise!
- Give kids a full, healthy meal before they go out trick-or-treating so they are not hungry.
- Talk to your kids about what is in candy and why it is not healthy. Ask them to come up with creative, kid and Earth-friendly alternatives that your own family can hand out and feel good about.
- When trick-or-treaters come to your door, shout, "Happy Hallo-green!!!

For more tips and treats on having a Green Halloween, visit GreenHalloween.org.