Going Green for Halloween in Emmaus Patch

If you want to save some money this Halloween, consider going green by making your child’s costume, hosting a costume swap or buying a "recycled” costume from a local thrift store.

Kids love homemade costumes, and crafty parents can take pride in creating something amazing based on their imaginations.

Big box craft shops like Michaels and A.C. Moore are always options for buying costume-making supplies but you'd be surprised by what last-minute gems you might discover at stores like CVS Pharmacy and Weis Markets -- especially as Halloween night approaches.

Hosting a costume swap is another great way to keep old costumes out of landfills. Have a party with a small group such as a preschool class, church group or scout troop.

Think about holding a post-Halloween costume swap this year to pass on the dress-up duds your child will wear for Halloween 2012. You know how fast kids grow and there's no point to holding on to your child's current costume for another 12 months. Also, think beyond Halloween. A costume swap is also a great way to procure no-cost items for playing dress-up.

Thrift stores offer an array of inexpensive “recycled” costumes for everyone from babies to adults, as well as a large selection of new costumes, masks, hats and Halloween makeup. You can also find used decorations such as pumpkin-shaped votive holders and Halloween-themed candles at a fraction of the price you would pay for new ones.

The Salvation Army store on Route 309 is a perennial favorite for Halloween finds.

Decorate the outside of your home in an environmentally friendly way with pumpkins, squash and dried corn stalks, which can all be composted when the holiday is over.

TELL US: What are some examples of great homemade costumes that are easy to put together? Be sure to upload photos of your green costumes and decorations in the photo gallery above.