9 Sustainable Halloween Ideas & Eco-Friendly Tips
This post is about 9 of the best sustainable Halloween ideas.
Halloween is fun with spooky costumes, delicious treats, and creative decorations. The scariest part is that it generates 2,000 tonnes of plastic waste annually. This is equivalent to 83 million Coca-Cola bottles, from single-use costumes to plastic candy wrappers and non-recyclable decorations.
According to The Fairyland Trust over 80% of Halloween costumes are made from plastic. 4 in 10 Halloween costumes are only worn once before being thrown away and 7 million are binned each year.
It’s time for a change!
9 Sustainable Halloween Ideas You Have To Try
1. DIY Sustainable Halloween Costumes
One of the best ways to reduce waste during Halloween is to make your costumes using materials you already have at home. Instead of buying a new costume you’ll only wear once, consider creating a DIY Halloween costume using old clothes, cardboard boxes, and other household items.
For example, an old sheet can be turned into a classic ghost costume, or a pair of black pants and a black shirt can be the base for a spooky skeleton costume. This is a fun way to get creative and make something truly unique. Plus, it’s a great way to upcycle materials and keep them out of landfills.
2. Costume Swaps with Friends and Neighbours
A costume swap is another excellent idea for a sustainable Halloween. Get together with friends, family, or neighbours and trade costumes from previous years. This not only gives everyone a “new” costume without the environmental impact of buying one, but it’s also a fun holiday activity. The best thing about a costume swap is that it’s a zero-waste option, allowing costumes to be reused year after year.
3. Thrift and Charity Shops for Costumes
If you’re not into DIY or costume swaps, your local thrift store or charity shop is a fantastic place to find sustainable Halloween costumes. Shopping second-hand is one of the best ways to reduce waste generated by Halloween, as it gives old clothes and costumes a new life. This is a great way to find unique, eco-friendly Halloween costumes that are budget-friendly and sustainable.
4. Sustainable Halloween Decorations
Decorating for Halloween is one of the best parts of the holiday, but it’s also a source of plastic waste. Instead of buying plastic decorations, try making your own Halloween decorations from sustainable materials like construction paper, cardboard boxes, and recycled materials. For example, you can use paper towel rolls or toilet paper rolls to create spooky bats or lanterns. Old clothes and household items can be transformed into creepy figures or scarecrows for your yard.
Check out some ideas on Pinterest here.
5. Pumpkin Carving and Zero-Waste Pumpkin Use
Pumpkin carving is a beloved Halloween tradition, and it’s also a great way to incorporate sustainable practices into your Halloween celebration. Each year, 22 million pumpkins are expected to go to waste, which is 18,000 tonnes of food waste. So, start by sourcing your pumpkins from a local farm or pumpkin patch, which reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting produce long distances.
After carving your pumpkins, don’t let the insides go to waste—turn them into delicious pumpkin pie or roast the pumpkin seeds for a tasty snack. After Halloween night, you can compost your pumpkin to ensure it doesn’t contribute to landfill waste. This zero-waste approach is a great way to enjoy Halloween while being mindful of food waste.
Check out these delicious recipes and ways to eat your pumpkin here.
6. Eco-Friendly Halloween Parties
If you’re hosting a Halloween party, consider ways to make it more sustainable. Serve homemade treats using fair trade ingredients, and avoid using plastic bottles and non-recyclable plastic plates or cutlery. Instead, opt for reusable or biodegradable options.
Encourage your guests to wear eco-friendly costumes and use sustainable Halloween decorations that can be reused next year. You can even give out treat bags made from recycled materials or fabric, which can be used year after year. Hosting a green Halloween party is a great way to have fun while promoting sustainable practices.
7. Reduce Plastic Use with Sustainable Treats
Halloween candy is another significant source of waste, mainly due to the plastic wrappers. Consider giving homemade sweet treats in recyclable or compostable packaging. Alternatively, look for treats packaged in sustainable materials or non-edible treats like pencils, erasers, or small toys made from sustainable materials.
If you’re concerned about allergies or dietary restrictions, you can offer options or label your treats clearly.
However, you may like baking and want to make treats for a party you’re going to or maybe for your family. If that’s you, check out these 71 Halloween treat ideas here.
8. Invest in Reusable and High-Quality Items
If you love Halloween and plan to celebrate every year, investing in high-quality, reusable items is a more sustainable way to enjoy the holiday. For instance, instead of buying plastic pumpkin buckets for trick-or-treating, opt for fabric or metal alternatives that will last years. When it comes to costumes and decorations, choose items made from durable, natural materials that can be reused.
9. Share Your Green Halloween
Finally, one of the best things you can do is share your sustainable Halloween ideas. Whether through a blog post, social media, or simply chatting with friends, spreading the word about eco-friendly Halloween practices helps inspire others to make greener choices.
Share your successes, like how you reduced food waste using all parts of your pumpkin or created a fantastic costume using only recycled materials.
