Actually, Sustainability IS for Everyone Issue 41: Celebrating Halloween Globally and Sustainably

Halloween is a major event at KnowBe4 , celebrated not just in the U.S. but across our global offices. This year, our employees once again demonstrated their commitment to sustainability in their festivities.

At our U.S. headquarters, we held a contest for the most sustainable costume. Brian Stubblefield took the prize with his 'Cousin Eddy' outfit, sourced entirely from his closet, his father-in-law's wardrobe, Goodwill, and pool equipment. This exemplifies sustainability through repurposing, upcycling, and second-hand purchasing.

Worth noting are the innovative ways that teams slashed waste. At KnowBe4, we continuously look for innovative ways to reduce waste. So Knowsters found several creative ways to make Halloween more sustainable.?

Departments used past Halloween decorations, home decorations, handmade props from repurposed wood, etc. Even tablecloths and cardboard became handmade scenery, all destined for another round in the recycling bin. Yep, the plastic tablecloths were recyclable, and went into our plastic bag recycling bin at KnowBe4, as a part of our robust zero waste program.

Take for instance our Product Operations department, who teamed up with MIS for a pirate theme (which incidentally won second place in our Clearwater Halloween Contest). Much of the setup was created using repurposed items and materials (#repurpose) from prior construction projects and Halloween sets. For example, Stephanie Tonnesen in Product Services made paper-mache animals, repurposing plastic bags for the filling. She also made brain corals with plastic bags rolled up together and glued into layers (pictured below). These amazing creations will be donated to a local organization.

Our PeopleOps and Facilities departments, who teamed up for an epic Harry Potter theme (which incidentally won first place in our Clearwater Halloween Contest), is another good example. They repurposed items and materials (#repurpose) from work and from home. Like the pirate theme, most of the other items were made of recycled materials like cardboard and plastic tablecloths which were then recycled afterwards.

At the end of the day, in addition to all of the items and materials we repurposed and reused, our efforts resulted in recycling 175 pounds of cardboard and paper and 12 pounds of plastic tablecloths, and storing 12 pounds of reusable decorations for future #reuse.

At KnowBe4, we balance hard work with fun while taking responsibility for our environmental impact. Our Halloween celebration showcases our commitment to sustainability and creativity, proving that eco-friendly practices can enhance, rather than hinder, our enjoyment of holidays.