We’re speeding through October, and Halloween is just around the corner. Get your pumpkins carved, your costumes sorted, and your sweet treats ready. Here we have a few tips on how to be conscious about your waste this Halloween.
Get creative with your costumes
Dressing up on Halloween can be great fun for all ages, and now is the time to get your creative hats on and think about your outfits. Whether you’re dressing up as a pirate, ghost, or even your favourite super hero, there are many ways you can make your Halloween eco-friendly. Reusing old costumes and swapping them between friends is a great way to avoid buying a new outfit each year. To take it one step further, why not try making your costume from things you already have around the house? From using the fabric of old clothes and rags, to creating props from your waste cardboard, there are many ways to give your waste a second life, Halloween style! For some spooky inspiration, view these great upcycling ideas here!
Trick or treat?
Sweet treats are customary with trick or treating. If you are planning on giving out sweet treats this Halloween, why don’t you consider going plastic free? Rather than giving out sweets that are individually wrapped, opt for sweets that have less packaging, or even better, none at all! Keep your neighbours healthy and give out fruit as a healthy alternative – better for you and naturally wrapped by nature, win-win!
Compost your carved pumpkins
Carving pumpkins is a Halloween must. Halloween is unfortunately known as The Festival of Food Waste. It is estimated that in the UK up to four million pumpkins are carved and displayed for Halloween. The edible flesh is usually discarded, ending up in landfill. According to the environmental charity Hubbub, pumpkin waste at Halloween equates to 360 million portions of pumpkin pie! So once the fun is over and your pumpkins are looking a bit sad, make the most of them and compost them. Be sure to remove all candles and decorations before putting your pumpkins in your garden waste. For those with your own composting facilities, simply pop the pumpkins into your composting bin and reap the rewards of a nutrient rich soil for your garden! For more information about composting, click here.
Happy Halloween!
