Halloween is the second most decorated holiday of the year and understandably, it generates a high amount of waste. That waste can be easily avoided with simple swaps. If you’re looking for ways to have a Green Halloween, here are quick, easy, tips:
Use Natural Decorations
Using natural materials like pumpkins, gourds, and leaves helps keep their plastic counterparts out of landfills. Plus, they make excellent additions to compost piles. If you do buy decorations, make sure they’re made of high-quality materials so you can reuse them for years to come, or made of materials that are easily recycled.
Buy Local
Buy candy and sweets from local shops that sell organic products. Avoid buying things that contain palm oil, as it is a major factor in deforestation and habitat destruction. Buying local can also help reduce the amount of plastic packaging that goes into landfills. For safety reasons, giving out factory-sealed candy is a necessary evil; consider giving out small gifts like pencils or seed packets instead.
Thrift, Reuse, and DIY
For costumes, check out your local thrift stores for pieces, or even for whole costumes. Many thrift stores sell complete costumes that have only been worn once or twice. Team up with other families to swap costumes your children have outgrown, and make what you can out of existing materials. Not only does this limit the waste going into landfills - it can save you money, too!
Trick-or-Treat Bags
Instead of using single-use plastic bags or buckets for collecting candy, opt for a reusable option. Sturdy plastic buckets that can be reused, pillowcases, or even paper bags are better options than cheap, single-use items.