Have a Boo-tiful, Sustainable Halloween
Holidays are fun, and should be enjoyed by kids and adults. But a quick look at the offerings on store shelves for Halloween decorations and treats can be very scary! Lots of single-use plastic decorations, plastic-wrapped candies, and over-the-top costumes that can be expensive and, well, plastic-y.
We hope you’re saving your treasured decorations for Halloween (and all holidays) from year to year. If you’re getting tired of them, organize a family or neighborhood swap over a cauldron of cider, to “shop” for new-to-you decorations and kids’ costumes. It’s a great way to avoid buying new items and can be done in the setting of a nice gathering. Use pumpkins for decorations that are beautiful and colorful sans carving. They can stay in place into November for Autumn decorations and/or made into roasted pumpkin seed snacks, pumpkin pies. Anything left can go to the compost pile.
It’s hard to avoid plastic-wrapped single-serve candy, but there are options. If you’re attending party with neighbors, friends, or family that you know well, maybe you can make homemade cookies, popcorn, or small portions of bulk candy in kraft bags. There are some individual servings of candies packaged in paper, such as M&M’s fun size servings that are wrapped in paper (and packaged in a recyclable plastic bag). “Junior Mints” come in cardboard boxes that can be recycled. And Reese’s cups, Hershey kisses, and other candy is wrapped in recyclable foil. You could also consider handing out pencils or themed erasers.
Making a costume for yourself or for kids is where the creativity and fun kick in! Cardboard boxes can be turned into tombstones for your front yard, or costumes such as a Rubic’s Cube, dice, or rocket ship. Start a Scout troop, classroom, or neighborhood costume swap to score costumes that are new-to-you. Used clothing stores often are stocked with donated costumes, or regular clothes that can be upcycled into costumes, such as a dress a stuffed black dog that just needs glitter added to an old pair of sneakers to be transformed into Dorothy and Toto. Or a graduation gown that would make a wonderful wizard! There are plenty of ideas online.
With a little planning, your Halloween fun doesn’t have to end up in the trash can, headed for the landfill. Reuse what you have, shop strategically, and swap with others to celebrate in a boo-tiful way!
