Halloween may be full of treats, but the hidden trick lies in the tacky costumes, plastic candy wrappers, and single-use decorations that haunt landfills long after the night’s spooky fun fades. To escape this environmental horror story, here are some eco-friendly tips to celebrate a more sustainable Halloween!
Spooky styling
The quest for the perfect costume often leads to a trip to Spirit Halloween: a graveyard of cheap, mass-produced options that rival their fast-fashion cousins in environmental cost. Instead of settling for those nightmares, get crafty! Resurrect old clothes, drawing inspiration from iconic media, to recreate outfits that channel your favorite characters’ color palettes and distinctive styles. Add accessories for extra flair! Transform household items like paper plates and cereal boxes into vibrant masks, mystical wings, and props with a splash of paint. If you prefer a treasure hunt, thrift shops are troves brimming with unique finds. Scour through the aisles to unearth vintage clothing, eccentric adornments, and other gems ready to be upcycled! For those wishing to skip the DIY chaos, renting high-quality costumes from local shops supports your community and mitigates waste.
Haunt your home
Before indulging in store-bought plastic skeletons, consider tapping into nature’s spooky charm with natural decorations like pumpkins and squash. Carve these gourds into jack-o’-lanterns for a glowing centerpiece or arrange a variety of regular pumpkins for a festive display. Once the holiday is over, turn the jack-o’-lanterns into compost fertilizer and transform the uncarved ones into fall classics like pumpkin soup or pie — both better options than letting them rot in landfills, where they could release greenhouse gases. Stroll outside and gather colorful autumn leaves, rustic pinecones, and tiny twigs to craft garlands that capture the essence of fall. String them together with twine for an easy ornament! For a less labor-intensive option, invest in durable, sustainable decor like handmade ceramics or fabric banners from local artisans that can be reused year after year.
Treats-not-trash
Trick-or-treating doesn’t have to leave a giant waste trail behind! As most Halloween candies come in individual wrappers, making pesky plastic packaging unavoidable, research local recycling programs that accept them to ensure proper recycling. For a community approach, organize a neighborhood candy wrapper clean-up event and encourage trick-or-treaters to recycle by setting up a designated bin outside your home with a friendly sign. Ditch flimsy plastic treat bags and buckets for reusable totes or classic pillowcases as a more eco-friendly and effective way to collect candy.
As the big night looms closer, you can keep the Halloween spirit alive without sacrificing your commitment to protect the planet. Small collective changes, like opting for natural decor or resisting the Party City itch, can mitigate waste significantly. So make a mindful choice to embrace eco-friendly practices this Halloween!
