12 Months to Zero Waste - October - Valley Voice 2024 Community Challenge

12 Months to Zero Waste - October - Valley Voice 2024 Community Challenge

12 Months to Zero Waste- October

 

Halloween is one of the most exciting, sugar-fueled, costume-heavy times of the year. But with all that fun comes a scary amount of waste—plastic decorations, single-use costumes, and enough candy wrappers to bury a small village. The good news? You don’t have to sacrifice your Halloween spirit (or your eco-consciousness) to celebrate sustainably! Here are some fun, easy, and spookily effective ways to make your Halloween a little greener.

 

GET THRIFTY WITH YOUR COSTUMES: DIY for the win!

Halloween costumes are so much fun, but unfortunately, they're also a major contributor to waste. Many store-bought costumes are made of synthetic fabrics, packaged in plastic, and only worn once before being banished to the back of the closet or tossed in the trash. Instead, embrace your inner thrift-shop warrior and go DIY!  You’d be amazed at what you can find at thrift stores. From ‘90s prom dresses that scream “zombie bride” to oversized suits perfect for a Frankenstein monster, thrift stores are treasure troves of unique and affordable costume pieces. Plus, you're giving clothes a second life instead of adding more waste to the pile.

 

NO TRICKS, JUST TREATS (without the trash!)

Candy is what makes Halloween Halloween, but the environmental impact of all those wrappers can be downright frightening. Individually wrapped candies often come in non-recyclable plastic, which contributes to piles of trash. But fear not—there are sustainable candy options that will satisfy your sweet tooth without spooking the planet. Look for candy that comes in easily recyclable or compostable packaging.  Our go-to?  We opt for the foil wrapped treats which we fill into our own containers at Bulk Barn.  And don’t forget to gather all the foil bits into a ball (aim for golf to baseball sized) so it doesn’t fall through the recycling cracks!

 

CREEPY, CRAFTY & COMPOSTABLE: Low Waste Décor!

Spooky decorations set the mood for Halloween, but plastic pumpkins, fake spider webs, and one-time-use lights send me screaming. Instead of loading up on store-bought décor, consider more sustainable options that still bring the scare factor.  The ultimate sustainable decorations are found in your own backyard. Fallen leaves, branches, and even pumpkins can be turned into eerie (and compostable) décor. Arrange a creepy display with carved pumpkins, scatter some leaves, and hang a few twig bundles as makeshift witches' brooms. After Halloween, all of these can go straight into your compost bin or be reused! Upcycling is another great way to create decorations without adding to landfills. Got some old sheets? Turn them into floating ghosts. Have a pile of empty toilet paper rolls? Transform them into spooky candle holders. You’d be surprised how much terrifying potential there is in your recycling bin! This also keeps things cheap and reduces the need for new plastic items. Spooky on a budget—that’s the dream, right?

 

PUMPKIN GUTS & GLORY: Eat your Jack-o’-Lantern!

Speaking of pumpkins, no sustainable Halloween guide would be complete without addressing the pumpkin situation. Carving pumpkins is a beloved Halloween tradition, but it’s easy to forget that they’re more than just spooky decor—they’re food!  After you’ve scooped out your pumpkin guts, don’t toss those seeds. Clean them up, roast them with a bit of olive oil and salt, and you’ve got a delicious and healthy snack. Roasted pumpkin seeds are packed with nutrients, and they’re the perfect treat to munch on while you’re watching scary movies (or hiding from trick-or-treaters).  If you’re really feeling the sustainability vibes, consider cooking the flesh of your pumpkin instead of letting it go to waste. Pumpkin puree can be used in soups, pies, smoothies or even muffins. Not only does this help reduce food waste, but you’ll also have a tasty treat to enjoy long after Halloween.

 

 

Halloween is all about fun, but it doesn’t have to be wasteful. By making a few simple changes—whether it's upcycling decorations, going DIY on costumes, or opting for eco-friendly candy—you can still have a spooky and memorable night without haunting the planet for years to come.  Happy Halloween Friends!

 

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