Terrifying Totes McGoats: Just In Time for Halloween!

I am a notorious recycler and have been long before it became fashionable, or mandatory. Years ago Ben and I were part of the sustainability/recycling campaign here in Sioux Falls and ended up scarring people for life by having our visages plastered on billboards, buses and benches across the city.

There is nothing quite as humorous as seeing your smiling mug on a bench with hand-drawn mustaches and horns added! Be that as it may, it was a great campaign and I'd like to think it did have an impact on the way people in our city recycle, as well as think about how much and what they throw away.

Niagra Falls, New York wanted to reach out to their community with a campaign that they thought would encourage more consistent recycling. They especially wanted something that would get children's attention and give them a chance to educate and encourage as well as inform. They came up with something you could call- (pun intended)- "kid friendly" and frightening at the same time.

• Top Halloween Candy in South Dakota

Yes, just in time for Halloween, something that will scare the crap out of you and your kids, it's Totes McGoats! This faun-ish creature (half-man/half-goat) is the character Niagra Falls thought would get kids' attention and encourage them to recycle! It'll get their attention alright and probably cause nightmares for weeks to come, when the scary mascot starts making the rounds of the areas elementary schools!

Even the town's mayor says Totes is "kind of scary actually!". You can check him out for yourself on Twitter and Facebook. I know I wouldn't want this creepy goat-guy anywhere near my recycling bins, kids--or me, but if he gets people to recycle, I guess it wouldn't be so baaaaaad! Right?