Make Your Halloween More Sustainable
by Emma Overholt
The spooky holiday has arrived and that means eating your body weight in candy, dressing up as your favorite character and having a good time with friends. However, candy and costumes can end up creating more waste than you realize. Read more to find out how you can make this Halloween more eco-friendly and sustainable.
1. Find your costume at a local thrift store or use pieces you already own
Head over to your local thrift or resale shop to pick up a costume instead of the inexpensive “throw away” costumes from party stores. If you have the ability, you can also use items from your own closet to DIY a costume. Pull out your old glasses and dress up as Harry Potter, or an all-black outfit for a cat!
2. Purchase pumpkins from a local farmers market
Instead of buying pumpkins at a big box store (where they are usually overpriced), find a local farmers market or organization and purchase within your community.
3. Use reusable candy bags
If you are trick or treating this Halloween season, make sure to use a reusable bag for your candy and goodies. Instead of the plastic bins from the supermarket, opt for a festive canvas tote.
4. Implement zero waste techniques for your Halloween party
Hosting a party? Make sure to minimize your guests’ waste by avoiding disposable cups, plates, and utensils.
5. Reuse decorations
Many craft stores sell adorable Halloween decor, but oftentimes the items are thrown away at the end of the night and end up in the landfill. Invest in quality Halloween decorations that you can use for years to come or make your own decorations with items in your house. Try taking the extra cardboard in your garage and turn it into a tombstone or make a festive wood sign with spare lumber and some paints.
6. Make use of the entire pumpkin
Every single part of the pumpkin can be used after you carve a jack-o-lantern. The flesh part of the pumpkin can be used in pies, muffins, bread, or puddings. Additionally, the seeds can be toasted with salt for a tasty snack.
7. Choose your candy consciously
Keep in mind plant-based options or candies with recyclable or compostable packaging on Halloween. Some vegan candy options include Airheads, Lemonheads, Smarties, Twizzlers, Swedish Fish, Skittles, and Sour Patch Kids. Also, try your local organic foods stores and buy your candy in bulk to minimize your packaging.
8. Get acquainted with compost
Use Halloween as an opportunity to start composting! Compost any pumpkin leftovers, food from your party, or paper packaging from candy.
Campus Environmental Center 