Green on Halloween: Celebrate Sustainably

Introduction

October has arrived and I’ve noticed the supermarkets have their usual Halloween offerings – plastic decorations, boxes of sweet treats and lots of children’s Halloween costumes. As Halloween approaches, many of us (not just our children!) eagerly anticipate the spooky fun that comes with it, from dressing up in creative costumes to decorating our homes with eerie decor and, of course, indulging in delicious treats. However, in the midst of these festivities, it’s important to remember our growing responsibility towards the environment. This Halloween, let’s embrace a “Green on Halloween” ethos, where sustainability is at the forefront in every aspect of our spooky celebrations. From eco-friendly costumes and decorations to sustainable treats for trick-or-treaters and zero waste party ideas, this guide will show you how to have a hauntingly green Halloween that’s kind to both the planet and your conscience.

Eco-Friendly Halloween Costumes

Disposable Halloween costumes are in abundance at this time of year and ‘Green on Halloween’ starts with the costumes we choose to wear. Instead of contributing to the fast-fashion waste problem by purchasing disposable costumes, consider these eco-friendly costume ideas that allow you to reduce, reuse, and get creative:

• DIY Costume Magic: Dive into your creativity by crafting DIY costumes from repurposed materials. I have always enjoyed a bit of dressmaking, so in the past I have been able to make my children’s costumes. But you don’t have to be a whiz at sewing to get a spooky outfit. Old bed sheets, cardboard boxes, and worn-out clothes can be transformed into amazing costumes. Check out Pinterest for some eco-friendly costume ideas.

• Costume Swaps: Organize costume swaps with friends, family, or within your community. What’s no longer needed in your closet could become someone else’s fantastic costume. Also, remember to keep any costume you create and pass it on to others next Halloween
• Thrifting Treasures: Thrift stores are a goldmine for costume pieces and accessories. Browse for unique finds and give pre-loved items a second chance to shine. I created these two Halloween costumes by buying from a charity shop and, with a few accessories, created them into sustainable Halloween outfits.

Eco-Friendly Halloween House Decorations

To make your home the spookiest spot on the block while keeping it green on Halloween, consider these sustainable decoration ideas:

• Natural Elements: Decorate with natural and reusable items such as pumpkins, gourds, and autumn leaves. After the holiday, compost them or add them to your garden.
• DIY Decor: Craft DIY decorations from recycled materials or items found in nature. Create ghostly garlands from old sheets or spooky silhouettes from cardboard.
• Energy-Efficient Lighting: Illuminate your outdoor display with energy-efficient LED lights instead of traditional incandescent bulbs. They last longer and use less electricity.
• Avoid Plastic: Be mindful of plastic decorations that often end up in landfills. Opt for sustainable materials like paper, fabric, or wood.

Eco-Friendly Halloween Treats for Trick-or-Treaters

Don’t forget about the treats! When it comes to being green on Halloween, here are some treat ideas that are both kid-friendly and eco-conscious:

1. Homemade Goodies: Bake homemade treats like cookies, brownies, or popcorn balls. Package them in reusable containers, recycled paper bags or cloth bags for trick-or-treaters.
2. Sustainable Candy: If you prefer to give out candy, opt for bulk candy stores or brands that use eco-friendly packaging. Look for candies wrapped in recyclable or compostable materials.
3. Compostable Treat Bags: Instead of using single-use plastic bags or plastic buckets to collect treats, use compostable treat bags made from materials like paper or why not use a cotton tote bag or pillowcase! These bags can reused or be disposed of responsibly after use.
4. Check out BBC Good Food for halloween cookie ideas.

Zero Waste Halloween Party Celebrations

If you’re planning a Halloween party, keep the green spirit alive with these zero waste party ideas:

1. Reusable Tableware: Instead of disposable plastic plates and utensils, use reusable or compostable tableware. It’s just as convenient and significantly reduces waste. At Palm Leaf, you can buy compostable plates etc.
2. Bring Your Own Cups: Encourage party guests to bring their own cups or provide reusable cups for drinks. This cuts down on single-use plastic cups and encourages sustainable practices.
3. Eco-Friendly Party Favors: Choose party favors and decorations made from sustainable materials like bamboo, wood, or recycled paper. These items can be reused or recycled.
4. Recycling and Composting Stations: Set up designated recycling and compost bins during the party to ensure proper disposal of waste. Make it easy for guests to participate in eco-friendly waste management.

Green on Halloween

This Halloween, let’s embrace the spirit of “Green on Halloween” by making mindful choices that benefit both our families and the planet. From eco-friendly costumes and house decorations to sustainable treats for trick-or-treaters and zero waste party celebrations, there are countless ways to celebrate Halloween with a green twist.

By choosing DIY costumes, repurposing materials, and opting for natural decorations, we can reduce our environmental footprint. When treating trick-or-treaters, consider homemade goodies, non-food treats, or eco-conscious candy options. And if you’re throwing a Halloween party, focus on using reusable tableware, eco-friendly party favors, and efficient waste management.

With these eco-friendly Halloween ideas, you can enjoy a hauntingly green holiday while instilling the values of sustainability in the next generation. Remember, a green Halloween isn’t just good for the environment; it’s a fun and creative way to celebrate Halloween responsibly. So, let’s get ready to have a “Green on Halloween” celebration that’s both eerie and environmentally friendly!

Now, you may have Halloween decorations in your home from last year and therefore the most sustainable thing to do is to reuse these. But, if you are looking to add another sustainable dimension to your Halloween celebrations then I hope you find some inspiration in the suggestions I have outlined above.

I would love to hear which eco-friendly Halloween ideas you are planning on using this year so if you’d like to share them, please leave a comment below.

Happy Halloween!

Elaine