If you've been in a store lately, you've noticed (right behind the Christmas ornaments!) loads of bags full of Halloween candy -- and maybe you've wondered, is there a greener, healthier choice to hand out for my neighborhood kids? And the answer is, Yes!

Glee Gum is made by a Rhode Island company, and contains chicle, the original ingredient from which all chewing gum was once made. The chicle sap is sustainably tapped from Sapodilla trees in the rainforests of Central America, much like collecting maple syrup. Every other gum now uses completely synthetic ingredients in its gum base, the company says. The gum packages are made of recycled cardboard  and are 100% biodegradable. The gum is gluten-free and certified vegetarian. Click here for more ideas for celebrating a Green Halloween. 

And for a cool alternative Halloween event, we can't imagine a better place to be for all ages than hanging out with the amazing folks at The Steelyard. This Halloween, they'll be offering a ceramics sale, a casting performance by the Iron Guild, bike art and costume building with Recycle-A-Bike, a pumpkin-flinging trebuchet, hot cider, snacks, music, and more.  Gates open at 6 on Oct. 31, admission is $5. For more info call 401-273-7101.