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Halloween is scary enough without the landfill stats. Every October, the U.S. generates nearly 600 million pounds of candy wrappers, $3 billion worth of costumes (mostly polyester), and enough plastic pumpkins to haunt us well past November.
But fear not — there’s nothing spooky about sustainability when you’ve got a few tricks (and treats) up your sleeve.
Before buying a new outfit destined for a one-night haunt, check your closet. Can last year’s witch become this year’s Wednesday Addams? Can a torn sheet and eyeliner make you a ghost with good taste? You’d be surprised how far a little creativity (and a hot glue gun) can go.
Host a neighborhood Costume Swap Soirée. Everyone brings a costume they’re done with and leaves with a new one—zero plastic packaging, zero fast fashion guilt. Bonus: You’ll finally meet that one neighbor who keeps winning “Best Front Yard Skeleton Display.”
Those shiny candy wrappers aren’t recyclable (sad trombone). Look for candy in paper or cardboard boxes—think Nerds, Milk Duds, or Dots—or buy in bulk and hand out goodies in compostable paper bags.
Inflatable skeletons are fun until they pop. Instead, decorate with real pumpkins, cardboard bats, or scrap fabric ghosts. They look better, cost less, and won’t spend 1,000 years decomposing. Plus, composting a pumpkin beats watching it deflate in your front yard any day.
Candles are cozy, but LED tea lights save energy (and won’t ignite your paper ghost). If you’re powering a haunted house, use solar or rechargeable batteries—your electric bill will thank you.
When the party’s over and the jack-o’-lanterns start sagging, compost the guts—pumpkin seeds, stems, and all. Roast the seeds for snacks and send the rest to your compost bin. The planet eats too, you know.
That $19 polyester “Zombie Cheerleader” costume? It’ll outlive you. Look for secondhand options, or DIY with natural fabrics like cotton and linen. If you do buy new, choose from brands offering recyclable or reusable costume kits.
Halloween is about imagination—not overconsumption. With a few clever swaps, you can keep your festivities spooky and sustainable.
Because the scariest thing about Halloween shouldn’t be the waste pile in your trash can—it should be the guy who bought 12-foot skeletons… again.