Halloween is one of the most fun holidays of the year! But all those tricks and treats can add up to a hefty impact on our planet. In fact, the spookiest thing about Halloween might just be the amount of waste that is produced as a result of the holiday. One 2019 study estimated that around 2,000 tons of plastic waste is generated from disposable Halloween clothing in the UK alone. And while halloween waste data is harder to come by in the United States, we can safely assume that the impact is significantly higher. So don’t be a monster (unless that’s your costume) and make your Halloween a little more green this. year!
Need some inspiration? We got you covered. Check out our All About Pumpkins activity kit for kids, and these 9 ways to have a green Halloween.
1. DIY Costume
Making your own halloween costume is a great way to reduce waste. Chances are there is SOMETHING in your closet right now that you can use to transform into a creepy creature. Not feeling creative? Go with the classic sheet ghost look. You probably have a closet full of Halloween costumes from years past. And when in doubt, there are always DIY ideas online.
2. swap costumes with a friend
Is your old halloween costume so last year? Then it’s time to gather up a few friends for a Halloween Costume Swap! Mix up some spooky cocktails, crank up the chilling music, and have fun trying on eachother’s costumes from years past. Even if you don’t find the perfect fit, you’re sure to have a laugh!
3. Purchase a sustainably produced costume
If you have your heart set on a specific, or new, costume, you can still make a greener choice. Either purchase from a sustainable fashion brand, or carefully look into the materials used to make sure that they can be recycled. This means avoiding petroleum-based plastics, polyester, and other non-recyclable materials.
4. UPCYCLE YOUR DECOR
Before you go all out on the halloween decor, think about what you can repurpose to create a sustainable alternative. There are several ways you can accomplish this. Upcycle and paint used cardboard for wall decorations, or cut spiders and ghosts out of old magazines or newspapers. Refer to pinterest fo plenty of spooky upcycled ideas!
5. Buy locally grown pumpkins
Support local businesses and farmers by shopping local for your pumpkins! The pumpkins that you find at a big chain store are likely shipped from far away. Find a local farm and make a day out of choosing the perfect jack o’lantern. You can also reduce food waste by preparing recipes with the insides, such as pumpkin pie or roasted pumpkin seeds!
6. Purchase sustainably crafted decorations
Prefer to leave the Halloween crafts to those that actually enjoy crafting? That’s totally fine, too! Today, there are plenty of makers that specialize in sustainable halloween decorations. Don’t believe us? Head over to etsy, type in sustainable halloween, and prepare to be flooded with inventive options! Better yet, you may be able to pick something up locally!