Okay, so we’re not some ominous harbingers of doom, but climate change is real, and we all should do everything we can to reverse or at least stop its effect. And where should we all start? Why, at the second-most beloved festivity Halloween, of course! We’ve dedicated this article to sustainable Halloween ideas, so keep on reading and keep them in mind when you are planning this year’s Halloween party.
Seriously, Halloween is ripe for going greener - think of all the plastics used in trick-or-treating, the candy wrappers, the costumes, and the decorations! They could all very well be sustainable, upcycled, or recycled. Take, for instance, sustainable Halloween costumes - an old sheet for an all-time classic ghost costume, something thrifted, or something borrowed, and voila, you’re now a sustainable vampire or a ghoul! But why stop there when you could also turn your Halloween decoration ideas green, too? Paper bags, old milk cartons, or jars can definitely be turned into the most original and unique decorations. And who doesn’t love to get a bit crafty from time to time? And then, of course, there’s the Halloween party - a playground for sustainability!
So, ready to check out our sustainable Halloween tips? From upcycled costumes to green treats, you’ll find all the relevant info just a smidgen further down. And if we’ve missed something, be sure to add your own ideas in the comment section!
#1
Pumpkins - Don't dump those pumpkin seeds after carving! Clean, salt, and roast them for a real homemade treat.
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#2
Pumpkins - Scoop out the seeds, air-dry them on a baking tray, and roast them in the oven for a tasty snack or salad topping. Or, you could also keep them in a cool, dry place until May and sprout the next batch of your very own organic jack-o-lanterns.
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#3
Pick up garbage while Trick-or-Treating - This one is truly a no-brainer. If you see a candy bar wrapper on the street while Trick-or-Treating, pick it up and throw it away for recycling.
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#4
Halloween costumes - Rent a costume! You can go to a fancy dress shop to support a local business or even get in touch with your local theatre to see if they have considered hiring out their costumes. Just think about the treasures they might have!
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#5
Halloween Trick-or-Treating - Here are some awesome ideas instead of sugary treats: try barrettes, matchbox cars, coins, organic fruit leathers or juice boxes, cookie cutters, toothbrushes, etc. Avoid cheap plastic toys, though! Look for items with minimal packaging and you'll get an A+ for being resourceful and mindful!
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#6
Halloween Costumes - Make your own! This way you'll definitely be the most unique, original ghoul/vampire/ghost that has ever roamed the streets!
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#7
Turn stockings with runs into spider-webbing. Spooky!
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#8
Turn cardboard boxes into tombstones - a classic Halloween yard decoration!
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#9
Treats - Buy local! Look for goodies with minimal packaging and/or those made packaged in recycled materials.
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#10
Compost and Recycle - From party food to treats to pumpkins, consider composting all organics and recycling the recyclables.
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#11
Halloween Parties - Get crafty! A bed sheet for a ghost (real classic!), papier-mâché ghouls from recycled newspapers, jack-o-lanterns from milk cartons or jars, and spiders made from rocks and twigs!
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#12
LED the Way - Use solar panel lights to light up the path toward your haunted mansion!
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#13
Halloween Trick-or-Treating ideas - Sweep your sidewalk when clearing a path for trick-or-treaters instead of hosing it! You'll save gallons of precious water this way.
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#14
Thrift your Halloween costume - Don’t have any friends to share or trade Halloween costumes with? No problem - go to your local thrift store and find some “new” costumes!
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#15
Reuse old Halloween decorations - Saving Earth and your hard-earned money is a huge bonus in our book!
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#16
Make your own decor and costumes out of recyclable materials - Reusing materials is always preferable to buying new ones regarding sustainability!
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#17
Halloween decorations - Hay and wicker baskets instead of plastic buckets. And you can even make them yourself!
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#18
Halloween costumes - If you’re dressing as a witch, think about making your broomstick. A fallen branch and some artfully tied twigs will do the trick and look more authentic than a store-bought broom. Now, where to find the cutest black cat..?
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#19
Pumpkins - Of the two billion pounds of pumpkins grown for Halloween every year, about 1.3 billion pounds will be tossed in the trash. Opt out for orange paper lanterns or repurpose old glass jars instead!
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#20
Trick-or-Treat Bags - Use (and decorate) household items to collect candy in. A bucket, pillowcase, or even an old bag will do just fine if you decorate it!
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