If you use a microwave, do you stand ten feet away when its on because of the radiation?  Do you avoid using sponges at all cost because of germs? Do you avoid eating certain foods or produce if you don’t know for sure if its organic or not to avoid pesticides?

On this blog, I do write a great deal about toxic substances that are used in our day-to-day lives, but also want to keep it light and (hopefully) fun.  Baring allergies, intolerance’s or illness you or your family members may have, sometimes we can get too caught up up in whats “deadly” .The question is, how do you find that balance once you become aware that certain habits you’re used to may not be healthy for you and your family?

My guess is you have to pick and choose whats most important to you.  For me, its the use of artificial fragrances in personal and home care products because of my allergies (perfumes gives me migraines).  Also, I avoid certain foods to a point.

Between news about what Sarah Palin is wearing and what the stocks are doing, there has been some headlines about the safety of our food (again), specifically chocolate candy.  The Cheeseslave blog wrote a couple of great posts on this issue: Very Scary Halloween Candy

More on Potentially Tainted Halloween Candy

Personally, this scares the crap out of me given there has already been deaths associated with melamine.  Its been quite a while since I’ve had mainstream chocolate, but my concern is for others and their children.  Other people may not be that concerned however.

Other things people are concerned about may include, mattresses, clothing that isn’t organic, the use of plastics, cosmetics, cell phones, and much more.

How do you find your balance when it comes to keeping your and/or your family healthy and safe?

Though we’ve heard about “Halloween safety” year after year for as long as some of us can remember, its always good to be reminded; especially when it comes to children.

Here are some great tips and ideas from Source News Papers to keep your Halloween happy, healthy and safe.

Halloween tips and tricks

The only one I DON’T agree with is:

“When purchasing costumes and accessories, look for “Flame Resistant” labels.”  Here is a  previous post on the matter:  Fire retardant chemicals found in toddlers’ blood

One way to reduce the risk of fires is to avoid candles all together.

If you must light up:

-Keep candles out of reach and walking space of children and avoid putting them in places where they can be knocked around  (small tables, etc).

-Make sure there is always adult supervision.

-Trim wicks prior to each use to within ¼-inch from the top of the candle.

-Keep a non-expired fire extinguisher near.

Also read National Geographic – Green Guide – Halloween Safety; an oldie but goodie!

If you have any other tips, please let us know.  Stay safe everyone!

This year, you will find a host of articles and blogs with tips on how to reduce waste, energy usage and cavities for Halloween.

Big Green Purse presents: A Green and Cheap Halloween – 10 Tips
This article offers great costume and trick-or-treat bag ideas.

The Green Parent presents: How to Celebrate Green

Mama Joules presents: Its Almost Time for a Green Halloween!

Regionz Kidz presents: Make Halloween Green in your Community

Teensy Green presents: Green your Halloween

River Wired presents: Green Halloween Decorations for your Home

Stopglobalwarming.org presents: This Halloween, Think Green – tips on how to lessen your carbon footprint this Halloween.  Tips include email party invites and serving healthy, seasonal food. 

Eco Bites presents: A Green Halloween

greenhalloween.org offers many great articles including Host Your Own Green Halloween Party or Neighborhood Bash and Green Halloween Costume Ideas

How Green is Halloween?

Please feel free to share any tips and ideas you have.

Have a happy and safe Halloween everyone!