Spooktacularly Sustainable: Green Halloween Tips for Eco-Conscious People

As the autumn leaves fall and the cool breeze of October sweeps in, the excitement for Halloween begins to brew. It's a time of costumes, candy, and creativity. However, it can also be a season of excess waste and environmental harm. This year, let's transform our Halloween celebrations into eco-conscious, sustainable affairs. Here are some spooktacularly sustainable tips for a green Halloween.

1. DIY Costumes: Get creative and make your own Halloween costumes from items you already have in your closets, around your home or from your local thrift stores. Reusing and repurposing materials not only reduces waste but also leads to unique and inventive costumes.  A few minutes online will provide an endless list of ideas to get your creativity flowing.

2. Natural Decorations: Decorate your home and front steps with natural and biodegradable decorations like pumpkins, gourds, and fall leaves instead of plastic or disposable decorations. These items can be composted after the festivities.  We also love glass and handmade decorations that can be used year after year. 

3. Energy-Efficient Lighting: Opt for energy-efficient LED lights to illuminate your Halloween decorations. They consume significantly less electricity compared to traditional incandescent bulbs, reducing your carbon footprint in spooktacular fashion.

4. Eco-Friendly Treats: When handing out treats, consider choosing candies and snacks that come in eco-friendly packaging or even healthier options like dried fruits or organic treats. Avoid single-use plastic packaging; shop at a stores that offer bulk bin purchases and put the candies in reusable or recyclable bags or containers.  Look for packaged candies in mini-cardboard boxes such as milk duds, dots, nerds or junior mints. 

5. Reusable Candy Containers: Instead of disposable plastic bags, when trick-or-treating carry reusable containers, such as cloth bags or small baskets. This not only reduces waste but will also add a unique touch to your  costumes. Get Creative!

6. Compost Pumpkin Waste: After Halloween, compost your pumpkin remains rather than throwing them in the trash. Pumpkin scraps make excellent compost material. Here are some fun ideas for how to reuse the pumpkins or you use them to make homemade pumpkin puree or pumpkin alfredo, and don't forget to roast the seeds. 

7. Mindful Party Planning: If hosting a Halloween party, make an effort to use reusable or compostable tableware and utensils. This minimizes the amount of waste generated during the celebration.

8. Give Back to Nature: Consider making a donation to an environmental charity as part of your Halloween celebration. It's a great way to give back and support a greener future.  1% for the Planet is our Go To!

Halloween can be both fun and eco-friendly. By adopting these sustainable practices, we can enjoy a spooky yet environmentally conscious holiday season. Let's make this Halloween a celebration that not only delights but also leaves a positive impact on our planet. Happy, green Halloween!