At Toolaloo, we're always looking for ways to be green year-round. Fall offers a chance to make an impact with just a few small changes to our Halloween routines. See the easy ways you can celebrate the season and do something green for your home and garden at the same time. 

Put those pumpkins to good use! 

Pumpkins, straw, leaves and other organic materials leftover from fall and Halloween decorations make great compost material! Not to mention, all those leaves you rake up are much better served starting a compost pile in your backyard instead of bagged up and thrown out with the trash. Consult your local city to see if they provide curbside composting services.

Don't let those fresh herbs and tomatoes go to waste. Not only is canning a great way to conserve fruits and veggies for next season, it will give you a taste of summer year-round. 

Believe it or not, fall is one of the best times of year to plant a new tree or bushes. It will have a greater chance of surviving in the cooler weather with more moisture! When choosing what to plant, consult your local greenhouse for what grows locally; you'll spend less energy keeping it alive if it already thrives where you live and in local soil. Choose pesticide-free flowers and plants whenever you can! 

Burn some calories while you clean up yard debris! Try to avoid using gas-powered leaf blowers whenever possible. They're noisy and pollute the environment. Grab a rake and use hand tools to clean out your garden or yard whenever possible. If you must use a leaf blower, opt for electric over gas.

Also, consider the environment when decorating for Halloween and fall. Use natural materials and reuse what you can instead of buying new, plastic decorations or materials each year. Halloween can also be a great time to reuse clothes and materials around the house for kids' costumes!