With the amazing decorations, costumes and scary movies this year, all the distractions can almost make anyone forget how wasteful Halloween is. Almost. A lot of people forget Halloween can be eco friendly and amazing too. Read on, for amazing ways to cut the waste this year!
Reusable Trick Or Treat Bag
Or bucket? Who knows. To reuse it next year means to avoid throwing away what you already bought, ending up rotting in the landfill. There are so many adorable options out there, even down to the small tote bags with great Halloween designs. I always find second hand ones and even better ones on discount when the holiday’s are over. Big bonus to reusing anything for getting that free candy, its saving you money!
Second Hand Costumes
Its a stretch to ask for anyone to DIY their costumes now a days. Using what you already have and a bit of imagination could make great social media posts or a great time. The next best thing is to find your costume second hand. Reusing a costume that was worn once and paid in full price while you snag it for a discount. Honestly their are so many options now, from online sites, apps and thrift stores, the options are plentiful.
The next best thing? Supporting small local businesses who do rent out costumes. This may be in a higher price range, but if you have the funds this is actually a great idea since you never have to worry about storage and taking care of your costume. You can probably make an appointment and rent an amazing high quality one not many people will show up with.
Composting Your Carved Pumpkins
If I can, every one else is able to see all the pumpkins displayed outside this year. Most of the people I know who are displaying them will most likely throw the pumpkins away. Incredibly easy to avoid, we can actually just throw our carved pumpkins in the compost. Better yet, drawing on pumpkins instead of carving them is better in a way where you can reuse all its guts! From the filling to roasting the seeds. We do put out only two pumpkins outside, one is carved and the other is painted on. But the rest are porcelain pumpkins, we pop a battery powered candle inside to light it. I found an amazing set in a yard sale for a deal.
Compostable or Thrifted Décor
Throughout the year when shopping, anyone can stumble upon great second hand finds. By the time the holiday comes up you can unload everything and be amazed on how much money you saved. If yard sales and thrift stores aren’t ideal, there are always apps that actually do a lot of the work for you. Being able to hand pick your décor, and picking it up at your convivence saved me headache and money. Buying second hand on websites is always the fastest route, I tend to make it a last option since I like to see the items or even feel it before I actually purchase them. The shipping sometimes kills me but again better to buy what’s already been made instead of purchasing an item that has already used up to many resources only to break or be thrown away! Reusable Halloween candles and porcelain pumpkins are always a great choice in any house!
Compostable Décor is slowly coming back. I’m seeing more and more idea’s for decorating anyone’s home with natural items. I’m not just talking about pumpkins here. There are ways to have eco friendly decorations and actually use them for years to come. One idea I have come across are knitted plush designs. Beautifully handmade designs can be found anywhere from Etsy to Instagram. Halloween sheets made from 100% hemp, bamboo or cotton can also be easily composted or used for years. If storing the decorations isn’t on the mind, fresh or dead flowers is an amazing add on and spooky themed paper straws as well. For an all out, scarecrows are classic and sustainable!
Low Waste Treats
Instead of buying the plastic wrapped cookies or cupcakes, making them through scratch will always beat the plastic route. If this isn’t an option, buying from local pastry shops or bakeries is always an amazing idea. Remember to bring in your own container in order to avoid the boxes or paper bags the deserts might come in.
Eco Friendly Candy
Yes, there is a way for candy to be somewhat sustainable. Buying candy in compostable packaging is few but possible, like dots and junior mints. To add to the bags of treats always try to choose Fairtrade and organic. Chocolate is not Fairtrade unless stated by the third party label of Fairtrade. Companies can advertise for their treats to be either organic or Fairtrade but without the third party stamp, its just a sale tactic. Super important even in holidays to support fair work ethics and sustainable farming!
Instead of Treats How About Treasures?
It’s 2021, no one even needs to buy the candy anymore. Instead of sugar wrapped in plastic, anyone can put together a bag of Halloween prizes. I have found like new items for this particular holiday in mid spring, half off original price. Those items were plastic toys, designed for the trash if not bought though! There are always Halloween themed pencils, colored pencils, erasers and mini coloring books. The ideas and designs are limitless. The plus side, I’m sure the kids will appreciate the fun surprise as well!
Want to read about having a more eco friendly October, check out these great finds : 4 Amazing Finds For An Eco Friendly October – Living In Zero
