Tips for a More Eco-Friendly Halloween

Having an eco-friendly Halloween is a great way to celebrate the holiday while minimizing your impact on the environment.  There are quite a few ways that you can make things a little greener, and holidays are a good way to make some swaps.

Here are some ideas to consider.

Costumes

Instead of buying a new costume, consider reusing or repurposing items you already have at home to create a costume. You could also make costumes from recycled materials.

Shop at thrift stores or consignment shops for costumes and accessories, which helps reduce demand for new items and extends the life of existing ones.  You can also look online on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and other used marketplaces.

Decorations

Use natural elements like pumpkins, gourds, leaves, and pine cones for decorations. After halloween, they can be composted or returned to nature. Skip plastic decor and consider alternatives like fabrics and felted decor.

Create your own decorations from recycled materials or items you have at home.

If you use lights for decoration, opt for LED lights, which use less energy and last longer.

Save your decorations so you can use them from year to year.

Treats

Purchase candy in bulk to reduce excessive packaging.

Choose treats that are organic and fair-trade certified to support sustainable and ethical practices.

Consider offering non-food treats like small toys, stickers, or pencils to reduce the consumption of sugary treats. Also consider items that are eco-friendly, such as useful items versus small plastic toys that are likely to get thrown away.

Party Supplies

Use reusable plates, cups, and utensils instead of disposable ones. You can also find some great compostable options.

Use cloth napkins instead of paper ones.

Choose reusable decorations that can be used year after year.

Pumpkins

Instead of throwing away your carved pumpkin, consider using it in cooking or baking.

For pumpkins you don’t plan on using for food afterwards, you can compost it.

You can also find places like farm to donate it for farm animals to eat.

Transportation

If you are attending or hosting a Halloween event, encourage carpooling to reduce carbon emissions.

If possible, walk to nearby trick-or-treating destinations instead of driving.

Natural Scents

If you choose to use scents in your home, opt for natural scents without synthetic fragrances. There are lots of great ways to make your home filled with cozy fall scents, such as essential oils or mulled cider.  Some ideas include Young Living Thieves Essential Oil, Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil, Nutmeg Essential Oil, or a combination of oils.

Face Paint and Makeup

Make your own face paint using natural ingredients to avoid commercial products with potentially harmful chemicals.

Choose makeup products that are cruelty-free and have environmentally friendly packaging.

Support Local

Instead of buying pumpkins from large retailers, visit local pumpkin patches and farms. Pumpkins are often shipped from coast to coast, and have a large carbon footprint. There are lots of fall items that can be found locally, such as corn stalks, pumpkins, gourds, mums, and more.

Purchase Halloween treats from local bakeries or businesses to support your community.

Education

Use Halloween as an opportunity to educate others, especially children, about the importance of reducing waste and protecting the environment.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Remember to reduce, reuse, and recycle where possible.

Remember, small changes can add up to make a big impact. By incorporating eco-friendly practices into your Halloween celebrations, you can enjoy the holiday while also contributing to a more sustainable future.