By Amber, CN Supplements Buyer & Old Hallows Eve Enthusiast
Halloween is my absolute favorite holiday. I love the colorful costumes, the candy, the bright jack-o-lanterns illuminating doorsteps and windows. But in recent years, I've become uncomfortably aware of how wasteful it can be. So much energy is dedicated to a single night, only for the decorations and bits of costume to wind up in the trash as November dawns the next morning. So figuring out how to make my celebrations more eco-friendly has been something of a project this year. Here's a couple of ideas I'm incorporating into my life to make my own Halloween festivities a bit more sustainable:
Beware of microplastics. Many Halloween costumes involve microplastics (like glitter or sequins) that can easily find their way into the environment. Consider using eco-friendly glitter (such as this mica-based one from Natural Earth Paints), or this face paint made with natural pigments!
Be mindful of your costume. Instead of buying a prepackaged costume that you'll wear once and then throw away, consider searching your local thrift store for clothes you can turn into a costume. (It's a bonus if you can repurpose certain items, like scarves or dresses, into your wardrobe after the holiday is over!) I personally love shopping at the Garment District for unusual costume pieces! And crafting your own costume can be a blast. Invite some friends over, mull some hot cider, and work on your costumes together for a delightful pre-Halloween get-together.
Compost your carvings. After your jack-o-lanterns have had their big night, consider adding them to your compost bin (or checking with your neighbors if they have one!). Many towns and cities also host compost drop-offs or have communal compost bins; check out what's available near you. (Also: save the seeds from your pumpkin and roast them with a bit of butter and some sea salt. They're delicious.)
Put the 'eco' in 'decor'. Instead of buying premade decorations, consider making your own out of materials you already have around. Recycled paper pumpkin garlands, cheesecloth ghosts -- there are so many cool things you can create! I'm obsessed with Sibster's simple DIY decor. A scarecrow made out of old clothes stuffed with newspaper was always traditional in my household growing up, along with hanging paper bats and ghosts. Making these crafts is also a great activity to do with the kids in your life!
Consider your candy. You don't need to be the person that hands out toothbrushes on Halloween to have a wholesome holiday. Try getting your candy from a local or minority-owned business, and consider having a non-food option for trick-or-treaters with food allergies!
Having a green Halloween doesn't have to be hard. There are so many ways to cut down on waste and let your creativity shine!