As the leaves on the trees change and jack-o-lanterns appear on front porches, we know that Halloween is approaching. All the fun and fright comes with a significant environmental impact—from single-use costumes and plastic decorations to discarded candy wrappers. But with a little creativity and some eco-friendly tips, we can make this Halloween a more sustainable one without losing any of the fun.
At WexEnergy, we believe small actions add up to significant changes, and this Halloween is the perfect opportunity to reduce waste through recycling, upcycling, and swapping.
Here are some tips on how to celebrate Halloween sustainably:
Swap with Friends
Instead of buying a new costume every year, consider swapping with friends or family. Many of us have costumes gathering dust in the closet from previous years. Plan a swap event that can breathe new life into those outfits! You can even host a mini-Halloween costume swap party where friends bring in old costumes, props, and accessories to exchange for something new to them. This way, you’re reducing waste and saving money.
Buy Decorations That Can Be Reused
While Halloween decorations are fun, buying single-use plastic ones that end up in landfills isn’t sustainable. Instead, invest in higher-quality, reusable decorations. Look for durable items that you can bring out year after year—like fabric banners, ceramic pumpkins, or even solar-powered outdoor lights. After the festivities, store them safely, and you’ll have a spooky, eco-friendly Halloween setup for years to come.
Avoid Plastic Where Possible
Plastic waste is a significant issue during holidays like Halloween. From plastic trick-or-treat buckets to costumes wrapped in plastic, it all adds up. Where possible, opt for alternatives. For example, use a reusable tote or pillowcase instead of a plastic bag for trick-or-treating. You can also make costumes using more sustainable materials like fabric, cardboard, or natural fibers. By cutting back on plastic, you’re helping to reduce the amount that ends up in landfills and oceans.
Rent Instead of Buy
If you have your heart set on a specific costume but don’t want to purchase one, consider renting! Costume rental shops are popping up in many places, offering a wide range of costumes at a fraction of the price. You get to wear a great costume, and when the holiday is over, you return it, ensuring it’s reused by someone else. It’s a win-win!
Make Your Own Costumes and Decorations
Get creative with DIY costumes and decorations! Making your own costume can be a fun and rewarding project, especially if you’re using items you already have. Consider using old clothes, cardboard boxes, and face paint made from eco-friendly ingredients to create a unique costume. The same goes for decorations—use old sheets, paper, and recyclable materials to create ghosts, bats, and other spooky décor.
Not only does this approach save money, but it also helps reduce waste. Plus, homemade costumes and decorations often have a personal touch that store-bought ones lack.
Use Natural Décor
Halloween decorations can go beyond plastic skeletons and rubber bats. Try incorporating natural elements like pumpkins, hay bales, and dried flowers into your Halloween setup for a more eco-friendly approach. These decorations are biodegradable and can even be composted after the season. Plus, they add a rustic, autumn feel to your home that plastic décor can’t match.
Sustainable Treats
Instead of contributing to the mountain of plastic candy wrappers, consider giving out more sustainable treats. You can buy candy in bulk to cut down on packaging or offer non-candy alternatives like homemade baked goods, wooden pencils, or small toys wrapped in recyclable paper. Some brands offer organic, fair-trade, and sustainably packaged options if you’re looking for eco-friendly candy.
Small Actions, Big Impact
By making small, sustainable changes, we can reduce Halloween’s environmental impact. From swapping costumes and making your own decorations to renting and reusing, these actions add up. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also contribute to reducing waste during the holiday season.
Remember, the goal isn’t to have a perfect zero-waste Halloween but to make mindful choices where possible. Every little bit helps, and these habits can extend beyond Halloween to other celebrations and holidays throughout the year. So, let’s make this Halloween both spooky and sustainable!
Happy (eco-friendly) Halloween from WexEnergy! 🎃
Oh, And more thing – Lots of these ideas are transferable to many celebrations and occasions, year-round.