Tips & Tricks For Celebrating a Green Halloween
Now that October is here, it’s the perfect time to rethink how we celebrate Halloween with sustainability in mind. Halloween can often be a waste-heavy holiday, from plastic decorations to single-use costumes. But with a little creativity, we can transform our celebrations into eco-friendly events. This year, let’s embrace a Green Halloween by making mindful choices, from decorations to costumes and even party planning. Here are some tips to help you have a frightfully fun and sustainable Halloween!
Reusable & Sustainable Halloween Decorations
Instead of buying new plastic decorations that are only used for one season, consider making your own or opting for reusable alternatives. For DIY enthusiasts, crafting your own reusable decorations is a fun and sustainable option. Get the family involved in creating Halloween decor from recycled materials like fabric, glass jars, or scrap wood. These handmade touches can be enjoyed for many seasons, reducing the need to purchase new decorations each year while adding a personal, creative flair to your spooky setup.
Natural elements like pumpkins, gourds, corn stalks, and hay bales not only create a cozy, autumnal atmosphere but also break down easily after use, minimizing waste. You can also upcycle materials you already have—old fabric can be transformed into spooky ghosts, and glass jars can become lanterns with a bit of paint or string lights.
For a more long-lasting solution, invest in durable, reusable decorations that can be stored and brought out year after year. Items made from metal, fabric, or wood not only look great but also reduce waste by replacing single-use plastic items. Consider decorations like cloth bunting, metal lanterns, or wooden signs to create a festive yet eco-friendly Halloween display.
Eco-Friendly Costumes
Halloween costumes are often made of synthetic materials and are rarely reused, leading to a lot of unnecessary waste. This year, try creating a costume from clothes you already have or by upcycling old outfits. With some creativity, you can turn everyday items into a fun and unique costume. Got an old white sheet? It’s an instant ghost! Have a broken umbrella? Turn it into bat wings! Or, try making a scarecrow costume from flannel shirts and old jeans, or repurpose cardboard boxes to become a futuristic robot. Going the extra mile will be really rewarding, especially when you get lots of compliments on your creativity!
For kids’ costumes, consider organizing a costume swap with friends or neighbors. Swapping costumes helps everyone save money and keeps costumes out of the landfill. Plus, it adds an element of surprise and creativity to the holiday! Looking for more eco-friendly costume ideas? Check out this article for additional inspiration!
Upcycling for Halloween
Upcycling is a great way to make Halloween both creative and eco-friendly. Before throwing anything away, consider how you can give it a second life. Old clothes can be repurposed into costumes, while used jars or bottles can be transformed into spooky candle holders or potion bottles for decorations. Even cardboard boxes can be painted and turned into haunted houses, tombstones, or other fun props. Incorporating upcycled items into your Halloween decor and costumes not only reduces waste but can also be a fun group activity for the whole family. You’ll be amazed at what you can make with just a few everyday items!
Shop Second-Hand and Use Clothes You Already Have
Shopping second-hand is not only more affordable but also more sustainable. Thrift stores like the Kaleva Resale Shop often have a treasure trove of items perfect for costumes and decorations, from vintage clothing to unique accessories. Plus, you can find great Halloween decorations at a fraction of the cost.
For those looking to avoid buying anything new, take a look at your closet. Repurposing clothes you already have is one of the easiest ways to put together a costume without contributing to fast fashion. Whether it’s turning an old dress into a witch’s gown or using a flannel shirt for a lumberjack costume, the possibilities are endless.
Compostables for Parties and Tailgates
If you’re hosting a Halloween party or attending a tailgate this October, consider using compostable items like plates, utensils, and cups instead of single-use plastic. Compostable options break down naturally and won’t contribute to landfill waste. For serving food, try using reusable serving trays, and encourage guests to bring their own reusable water bottles or cups.
At Bay Area Recycling for Community, we offer a wide variety of compostable serviceware products to help make your next event more sustainable. From compostable plates and utensils to cups and napkins, we have everything you need to host an eco-friendly spooky celebration.
Buy Local Pumpkins and Use Them Fully
Pumpkins are a staple of Halloween, and buying local not only supports farmers but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation. When you’re done carving your jack-o’-lanterns, don’t let any part of the pumpkin go to waste. Roast the pumpkin seeds for a healthy snack, and use the flesh in delicious fall recipes like pumpkin pie, soup, or muffins.
Composting Corn Stalks, Pumpkins, and Feeding Wildlife
After Halloween, avoid sending your pumpkin to the landfill where it would produce methane—a potent greenhouse gas. Instead, compost your pumpkin or bring it to the woods for wildlife to enjoy. If you’ve decorated with corn stalks or other natural elements, remember that these can also be composted once the season ends. Corn stalks make excellent compost material, helping add structure and air pockets to your compost pile. You can leave both corn stalks and pumpkins out in a wooded area for wildlife as well. Deer and other animals will happily snack on these fall leftovers, helping you reduce waste while providing nourishment for local wildlife.
With a little creativity and mindfulness, it’s easy to have a Green Halloween! From sustainable decorations and eco-friendly costumes to composting and supporting local farmers, there are countless ways to celebrate this spooky season sustainably. By making thoughtful choices, we can reduce waste and have a fun, memorable Halloween that’s good for the planet.