It’s almost here! Still need a costume? Don’t rush out and buy one! Halloween brings lots of ghoulish fun, but it can also generate a lot of waste, from costumes worn once to candy wrappers and decorations that get tossed out after the holiday. You can reduce the amount of waste you create and still have fun.
Here are some tips for a green Halloween:
- Instead of buying a brand-new costume, try creating one using items you already have at home. Raid your closet or shop at thrift stores. Swap costumes with friends and family. Not only will you save money, but you will also have fun making a one-of-a-kind costume.
- Whatever you choose to wear, save this year’s costume for next year or make sure someone else uses it by giving it away.
- Have a jack-o’-lantern and eat it, too! After carving your masterpiece jack-o’-lantern, toast the pumpkin seeds for a delicious snack and add the stringy insides to your compost pile. (After the holiday, cut your jack-o’-lantern into chunks and add those to the compost pile or bin, too.)
- Reuse decorations from last year or make new ones from materials you have around the house. Old clothes can be used to create a scarecrow, cardboard can be cut out to become spooky gravestones or ghosts, milk jugs can become reusable jack-o’-lanterns, and extra string or yarn scraps can create a spider web!
- As you choose candy to give away, consider what kids like (and don’t like). Unliked candy often ends up on the ground on in the trash.
- If you have little trick-or-treaters, have them take a reusable bag or bucket and store it for future Halloweens.
Wishing you all treats — no tricks — this year!
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