Halloween is just around the corner, and we’re all so excited. One of the biggest downsides of celebrations like Halloween is it’s environmental impact and the lack of eco-friendly behaviour. Let’s love our planet, all while having a great spooky season. These are some tips for a sustainable Halloween.
Costumes
The most exciting part about Halloween for a lot of us is dressing up. Whether you are going with something totally scary, or just cute, there are plenty of ways that your costume can be sustainable.
Thrifting
For years, I’ve been getting my costumes from thrift stores. Sure, it takes a little more effort to find it, but going for a second-hand option is a great sustainable solution. A huge plus side to this is that you’re also helping charities out at the same time.
You can also buy second hand from websites like Depop and Vinted. This might help you find specific pieces you are looking for.
Outfit Swaps
Does your friend have a costume they wore last year that you were totally obsessed with? See if they’ve still got it laying around somewhere! Maybe make a pact to swap this year’s costumes next year?
You might also find that your friend has something you need for your costume in their wardrobe. Like a pair of shorts or a hat. Raid each other’s wardrobes to find what you need!
Your Wardrobe
You’d be surprised how many Halloween costumes are just waiting to be worn in your wardrobe! Want to be a scarecrow? We bet there’s dungarees in the back of your wardrobe. A witch? There must be a long black dress in there somewhere!
You may have to buy a few props here and there, but using what you’ve already got can make a huge difference.
Pumpkins
Pumpkin carving is one of the most fun Halloween activities. Last year, millions of pumpkins went in the bin, carved and uneaten. It’s a huge waste and is a key factor in having a not-so-sustainable Halloween. There are plenty of tips to get the most out of your pumpkin to have a sustainable Halloween.
Eat The Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are really delicious! When carving, save all the seeds for later. You can rinse them, drizzle them in oil, and add your favourite herbs. Find recipes using pumpkin seeds here.
Cook The Pumpkin Flesh
Everything you carve from inside of the pumpkin can be used later in a super autumnal dish. Whether it’s pasta or a pumpkin pie, there are so many versatile uses for pumpkin in the kitchen. Check out these pumpkin recipes.
Compost
If you’ve got a compost bin, chop up the pumpkin and put it in there. Pumpkin makes for really good nutrients, bringing rich value to your compost.
Donate to Farms
Pumpkins can make good animal feed for certain animals, or farms may use them in their own compost. Do some Googling and see if there’s a farm near you that will take your used pumpkins.
Candy
For kids, trick or treating is a Halloween-highlight. Going round your neighbourhood and getting as much candy as you can is a dream, right? Of course, the treats that we give out could do with being way more sustainable.
Foil Wrapped Candy
The foil that candy and chocolate are wrapped with is recyclable! These are a great alternative to plastic packaging. Of course, you aren’t responsible for how other families recycle, but at least you are doing your bit.
Boxed Candy
There are a few brands out there that will sell boxed versions of their candy. This makes it much easier for people to recycle at home.
Plant-Based Treats
You know we had to promote a little plant-based moment here! Plant-based treats will be miles better for the planet than the alternative, plus you’re being inclusive to kids with allergies/dietary restrictions. Why not pick up a few vegan treats this year?
Other Alternatives
Instead of candy, you could offer trick or treaters alternative treats. Sealed aluminium or glass sodas are a great option. Alternatively, you could give out small sustainable supplies or toys.
Decorations
Lastly, Halloween decorations. Whether you are hosting a party, or just looking to spice up your home, Halloween decorations can easily be made sustainably. One of the most frustrating things is when people buy brand new decorations each year. We all save our Christmas decorations, so why not do the same for a sustainable Halloween?
There are also plenty of ways that you can make decorations out of items you might already have in your home. We could sit here all day giving you ideas, but BBC have summed up some sustainable ideas best!
Still not feeling the fall spirit? Check out our list of titles with the ultimate fall vibes.
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