A Green Halloween
A spectacularly spooky event and a truly terrifying mountain of waste are just around the corner. From piles of discarded pumpkins to millions of costumes thrown away after one wear, this fun experience is a global waste nightmare. Here are some key tips for having a green Halloween - which makes it way more fun too.
COSTUMES
Over seven million Halloween costumes are binned after Halloween ends - and of these, about 63% contain polyester, which takes up to 200 years to break down.
Instead of buying a new costume every year, we can get creative and upcycle old costumes or clothing.
Try using worn-out t-shirts as a base and get your creative shoes on. We can also swap or borrow items of clothing with friends to create an entirely new outfit. If you are going to buy something, try buying items that you can re-wear throughout the rest of the year, or shop in charity and second-hand stores.
DECORATIONS
Decorations are all part of the fun - but to ensure we are making the least impact possible, try to reuse previous decorations and opt for ones that can be used year after year, such as string lights or reusable fabric banners. If you want to get your creativity flowing, why not try making some decorations? Paperchains can be made using scrap paper, and turn holey tights into spider-webbing.
Use scrap paper to make ghost wall hangings, or turn cardboard boxes into tombstones - the possibilities are endless!
PUMPKIN CARVING
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Over 18,000 tons of pumpkin waste are produced at Halloween – with only one in nine people cooking theirs after use.?
When pumpkins end up in landfill they decompose and release methane, which is a greenhouse gas 20 times more harmful to the Earth’s atmosphere than carbon dioxide.
One easy solution is to compost our pumpkins instead of throwing them in the bin. Not only does this divert waste from landfills, but it also creates nutrient-rich soil for our gardens.?
Don't throw away all the goodies from inside your pumpkin. Toast the seeds for tasty treats or challenge yourself and make a pie.
HALLOWEEN-THEMED EVENTS
Parties are a lot of fun, but plenty of ways to minimise spooky season waste exist. Consider hosting a Halloween party that avoids using disposable cups, plates and cutlery.
Plus, a party is a great way to show off all your homemade decorations.
For trick or treating, use or repurpose household items to collect sweets in. A bucket, pillowcase, or even an old bag can be decorated inexpensively at home - and reused year after year.
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