10 Ways to Have a Spook-tacularly Sustainable Halloween in 2023

Halloween is a time for thrills, chills, and, unfortunately, tons of waste. From disposable costumes to single-use decorations and candy wrappers, the holiday can be a nightmare for the environment. But fear not, eco-conscious ghouls and goblins! With a little creativity and planning, you can have a frightfully fun Halloween that’s kind to our planet. Here are 10 spooktacular ways to celebrate Halloween in 2023 an eco-friendly way.

1. Eco-Friendly Halloween Costumes: The Thrifty and Crafty Approach

Thrift Your Halloween Getup

Before you spend a small fortune on a costume that’ll only see the light of the full moon once, consider thrifting your Halloween attire. Many thrift stores put out a plethora of previously loved costumes, accessories, and attire that can be repurposed into a unique costume. Not only is thrifting an eco-friendly option, but it’s also a fantastic way to save some coin and find a one-of-a-kind outfit that won’t be duplicated at the Halloween party.

DIY Your Costume

If you’re feeling crafty, why not create your own costume? From cardboard to old clothes and a bit of paint, there are countless materials you can use to create an awe-inspiring DIY costume. The internet is brimming with tutorials and ideas to help you transform everyday items into something spooktacular. Plus, making your own costume from recycled materials is not only kinder to the planet, but it also gives your costume a unique and personal touch.

2. DIY Haunted Decorations from Recycled Materials

Cardboard Tombstones

One person’s trash is another person’s…tombstone? It’s true! Old cardboard boxes can be easily transformed into spooky graveyard markers. Simply cut the cardboard into the shape of a tombstone, paint it grey, and use a black marker to add a creepy epitaph.

DIY Spider Webs

Instead of buying synthetic spider webs, why not make your own using materials you have laying around the house? You can create a beautifully creepy web using old white threads or yarn. Simply cut and tie the threads in a web-like pattern, and voila! You have an eco-friendly spider web.

Mason Jar Ghosts

Don’t toss those empty mason jars just yet! With a little paint and a few craft supplies, you can turn them into cute ghost lanterns. Paint the jars white, add ghostly faces with a black marker, and place a small, battery-operated candle inside to give your ghost a spooky glow. These lanterns make boo-tiful decorations and are perfect for lighting up your porch or walkway on Halloween night.

3. Trick-or-Treat the Green Way

Choose Eco-Friendly Treats

When it comes to Halloween candy, opt for options that are as kind to our planet as they are to our taste buds. Consider treats that have minimal packaging or are packaged in recyclable materials. You can also look for organic candies or consider homemade treats. However, if you choose to make your own treats, be sure to package them in biodegradable or recyclable materials and inform parents that they’re homemade for allergy purposes.

Use Reusable Trick-or-Treat Bags

Instead of buying a new plastic pumpkin bucket each year, consider a reusable bag for your trick-or-treat adventures. An old pillowcase, a canvas tote, or a reusable shopping bag are all great options that can hold a hefty candy haul. Plus, you can personalize your bag with fabric paint or markers, adding an extra touch of Halloween spirit to your trick-or-treating.

4. Have a Green Halloween Party

Choose Sustainable Party Supplies

If you’re throwing a Halloween bash, make it an eco-friendly affair by choosing sustainable party supplies. Skip the disposable plates and cutlery and opt for reusable or compostable options instead. You can also encourage your guests to bring their own reusable cups to cut down on waste even further.

Eco-Friendly Party Favours

Instead of traditional party favors, consider giving your guests a small, eco-friendly gift. This could be a packet of seeds they can plant, a homemade treat packaged in a reusable container, or even a small succulent or potted plant.

5. Use Energy-Efficient Halloween Lights

Instead of traditional string lights, opt for LED or solar-powered lights for your Halloween decorations. They use less energy and can be used year after year, making them a more eco-friendly choice.

6. Decorate with Nature

Autumn provides a wealth of natural and sustainable decoration options. From colourful fall leaves to pumpkins and gourds, you can create a festive Halloween atmosphere without purchasing a single plastic decoration. You can even get creative with fallen branches, turning them into creepy trees or using them to make a rustic wreath for your door.

7. Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle Your Decorations

When it comes to eco-friendly Halloween decorations, the key is to think long-term. Choose decorations that can be used year after year, like fabric tablecloths, reusable window clings, and durable outdoor decorations. When Halloween is over, store your decorations carefully so they can be reused next year.

8. Choose Eco-Friendly Halloween Makeup

Many Halloween costumes require makeup, but not all makeup is created equal. Opt for eco-friendly, non-toxic Halloween makeup to avoid harmful chemicals. You can also look for makeup that comes in recyclable packaging, or make your own using natural ingredients.

9. Compost Your Pumpkins

Don’t just toss your jack-o’-lantern in the trash after Halloween. Instead, compost it! Pumpkins are organic matter and break down easily in a compost pile. Not only will you be reducing waste, but you’ll also be creating nutrient-rich compost for your garden.

10. Give Back to Mother Earth

Consider making a donation to an environmental charity as part of your Halloween celebrations. You could ask your party guests to make a small contribution in lieu of a host gift, or make a donation yourself in honor of the holiday. It’s a great way to celebrate Halloween while also giving back to our planet.

Halloween is a time for fun, frights, and lots and lots of candy. But it can also be a time for sustainability, creativity, and eco-friendly practices. By incorporating some of the tips above, you can have a howling good Halloween while also doing your part to protect our planet. Because the only thing scarier than ghosts and goblins is a world without a healthy environment. So let’s treat our planet right this Halloween, and make it a green one to remember!