Fall is in full swing, and Halloween night approaches. Tricks and treats, costumes and candy, we’re all here for it. But why not celebrate with a spooky and sustainable attitude?
Halloween This Year, and Next
Halloween, don’t forget, is an annual thing. We can reuse many of the festivities starting with decorations. For instance, collect some of the twigs from the backyard and make a wreath for the front door, and give your home a nice (and slightly creepy) touch. Or, if you wanted to get a bit more creative, rummage around in your recyclables for scrap paper, tins, or bottles. Any of these an be used to make Halloween garlands and banners that can be used this year and next year too! And of course you can set up some reusable decorations like spider webs made of cotton yarn, or ghosts assembled from some old sheets and strings.
The Pumpkin Carving Tradition with a Eco-Friendly Twist
Carving pumpkins is not particularly earth-friendly, which is probably something you didn’t want to hear. But there is a way to keep the pumpkin carving tradition: just do the outer skin. This keeps the fun of carving and crafting, while saving the pumpkin for other uses. That way, after the night has passed, the pumpkin is entirely useful for all kinds of delicious foods: pies, soups, and so on.
A Spooky, Sustainable Costume
Why not get creative with costumes and find ways to reinvent last year’s costume? Instead of scouring the aisles at Halloween City for plastic masks and one-time costumes, utilize what you have. Turn to Pinterest, do some research, and you’ll find that there are countless ideas that reuse cardboard boxes or plastic bottles. Finish the look with a reusable Halloween treat bag. Anything from ice cream buckets to unused bags, to pillowcases. Whatever completes the look. Costume swaps or rentals are also an eco-friendly option, and they also ensure that everyone gets to partake in the Halloween celebrations. Organizations like Ween Dream or The Halloween Helpers that pass on thrift costumes and lend them to children in need. Other groups like Scraps Keeper make costumes of reclaimed fabric, tying in some sustainability with Halloween spirit.
Trick or Eco-Friendly Treat
Last, but most importantly, the candy! Try to buy candy in bulk that will minimize the amount of plastic wrapping. Furthermore, some treats are wrapped in paper packaging like Alter Eco chocolate truffles and Pixy Stix. Other alternatives, with cardboard packaging, include Nerds, Whoppers, Mike & Ike’s, Milk Duds, Dots, Junior Mints, and more! That way, you can keep the sweet, along with the sustainability. And, if you’re looking for something to do with all those wrappers, consider the crafts possible like earrings or stickers, especially since the candy never lasts longer than a week.
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