Spooky Fun Without the Waste: Tips for an Eco-friendlier Halloween
Five tips for enjoying an eco-friendlier Halloween
- Sustainable Decorations: Most commercially available Halloween decorations are made from non-recyclable plastics and other non-biodegradable synthetic materials. Fake spider webs can be problematic for wildlife such as birds, insects, bats and other small animals due to the risk of entanglement or ingestion. Consider making decorations with more eco-friendly materials such as paper, carboard, straw, leaves and twigs, and where possible keep decorations to reuse or repurpose later. If using bought plastic or synthetic decorations, try to pack these away when the festivities are over to use again next year!
- Creative Costumes: Instead of buying new costumes from the shops, get creative and make your own. Op shops are treasure troves for unique pieces, and DIY costumes made from recycled materials can also be impressive and fun to create with children. Hosting a costume swap with friends or your local community is another great way to reduce waste, save money, and get a new scary look each year. Face-paint is also a greener alternative to plastic masks.
- Eco-Conscious Treats: Individually wrapped lollies and chocolates create a lot of waste. Consider giving out treats in recyclable paper bags or if possible, opt for brands with compostable or reduced packaging. If you are trick-or-treating within a trusted circle of neighbours and friends, consider making home-made Halloween treats and packing them in reusable containers or recyclable bags. Simple cooking activities can also be a fun and educational activity to do with children.
- Mindful Trick-or-Treating: Where possible, plan your trick-or-treat route in your local area to avoid unnecessary driving—consider walking, scooting or biking instead. Rather than plastic containers, treats can be collected in reusable bags or pillowcases.
- Pump(kin) up the Action: Pumpkin carving is a must-do for many Halloween revellers, but what to do with the insides? This is a great opportunity to explore healthy foods and snacks with children by making soups and bakes from the pumpkin flesh and roasting the seeds. Any leftovers can be composted or added to a worm farm.
With a few simple changes, you can enjoy a greener Halloween while helping children learn about sustainability through the fun of the spooky season!