Halloween is all about fun costumes, sweet treats and festive decorations, but unfortunately, it’s also a holiday that generates a lot of waste. From single-use sweet wrappers to disposable decorations, Halloween can have a spooky impact on the environment. But fear not! With a few conscious choices, you can enjoy an eco-friendly, zero-waste Halloween that’s even more festive and memorable. Here are some creative tips to help you have a spooktacular celebration without sacrificing sustainability in the process.
Eco-Friendly Decorations with a Vintage Flair
We had lots of fun experimenting with making these over the last few days. Halloween decorations can be both festive and sustainable, how about hosting a creative Halloween craft night with friends to encourage a little creativity? Have a look below at some of our spooky DIY decorations, sure to scare any visitors!
- Natural Decor: Use pumpkins, gourds, corn stalks, and other natural Autumn produce. These can all be composted after Halloween, so there’s no waste.
- DIY Crafts: Make your own decorations with recycled paper, cardboard, or fabric. Old newspapers or recycled paper can become garlands, ghost cut-outs, or spooky silhouettes.
- Upcycled Items: Save jars and bottles to create candle holders or spooky potion jars. You can paint or decorate them to add a bit of Halloween flair, and then reuse them next year.
- Invest in Quality: If you love traditional Halloween decor, consider investing in high-quality, reusable decorations that you can use for years to come rather than single-use plastic ones.
Pumpkin Carving with a Purpose
Carving pumpkins is a Halloween classic, but there’s a way to make it more sustainable!
- Use Every Part of the Pumpkin: After carving, save the seeds to roast for a tasty treat, and compost the rest. You can even make soup or pie from the pumpkin flesh if it’s still fresh!
- Compost Your Pumpkin: After Halloween, be sure to compost your pumpkin instead of tossing it in the trash. Pumpkins break down naturally and provide nutrients to the soil.
Pro Tip: If you’re using paints or glitters for pumpkin decorating, make sure they’re biodegradable, so you can compost the whole pumpkin.
Host a Zero-Waste Halloween Party
If you’re throwing a Halloween party, keep it eco-friendly with these sustainable ideas:
- Digital Invitations: Send out digital invites instead of paper ones. Not only are they more convenient, but they also reduce paper waste.
- Reusable Tableware: Instead of disposable plates, cups, and utensils, opt for reusable or compostable tableware. Borrow from friends if you don’t have enough at home. Even better, see if you can find spooky goblets or glasses in a second hand shop! These are usually super cheap.
- Spooky punch: Make a large bowl of fruit punch (alcoholic or not!) that can be shared amongst friends, to save on bottle waste.
- Spooky treats: Make some quick treats to save on waste, like these.
- Bobbing for apples: A classic game that never fails to entertain adults and kids alike. Compost the apples afterwards for a zero waste hilarious halloween game.
- The flour game: Another timeless classic that will definitely give some laughs from your guests.
Embrace a Greener Halloween
Going zero waste this Halloween doesn’t mean compromising on the fun. With a bit of creativity and conscious choices, you can enjoy all the thrills of the season while reducing your environmental impact. Not only will you create a memorable Halloween, but you’ll also set an example for others to embrace a more sustainable lifestyle!
ZWAI wishes you all a Happy halloween, ghouls, witches and goblins alike!