Are you starting to feel spooky?
It’s the season for channeling your inner witch, superhero, or TV character. But don’t rush out and buy a costume! Halloween brings lots of ghoulish fun, but it can also generate a significant amount of waste, from costumes worn only once to candy wrappers and decorations that get discarded after the holiday. You can reduce the amount of waste you create and still have a good time.
Tips for a green Halloween
- Instead of buying a brand-new costume, try creating one using items you already have at home. Raid your closet or shop at thrift stores. Swap costumes with friends and family. Not only will you save money, but you will also have fun making a one-of-a-kind costume.
- Whatever you choose to wear, consider saving this year’s costume for next year or giving it away to someone else so they can use it.
- Have a jack-o’-lantern and eat it, too! After carving your masterpiece jack-o’-lantern, toast the pumpkin seeds for a delicious snack and add the stringy insides to your compost pile. (After the holiday, cut your jack-o’-lantern into chunks and add those to the compost pile or bin, too.)
- Reuse decorations from last year or make new ones from materials you have around the house. Old clothes can be used to create a scarecrow, cardboard can be cut out to become spooky gravestones or ghosts, milk jugs can become reusable jack-o’-lanterns, and extra string or yarn scraps can create a spider web!
- As you choose candy to give away, consider what kids like (and don’t like). Unliked candy often ends up on the ground or in the trash.
- If you have little trick-or-treaters, have them take a reusable bag or bucket and store it for future Halloweens.
Wishing you all treats — no tricks — this year!
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