How to Plan a Low-Waste, Sustainable Halloween

Halloween is just around the corner, and while it’s a fun time filled with costumes, candy, and decorations, it can also be a holiday that generates a lot of waste. From plastic decorations to single-use costumes and candy wrappers galore, Halloween’s impact on the environment can be downright scary. But fear not! With a few simple swaps, you can reduce your waste and plan a Halloween that’s just as fun—and way more sustainable.

Here are some easy, eco-friendly ideas to make your Halloween festivities a little greener this year. (By the way, this post may contain affiliate links—check out our privacy policy for more info!)

1. Ditch the Plastic Decorations

Traditional Halloween decorations are often made from plastic and designed to be thrown away after just one use. Instead, try swapping them out for sustainable alternatives that can be reused year after year.

• DIY Decorations: Get creative by making your own spooky decor from items you already have at home. Old sheets can become ghostly figures, cardboard can be cut into bats, rope turned into giant spider webs, and twigs from the yard can be crafted into a creepy wreath for your door.
• Natural Decor: Pumpkins, gourds, and dried corn make for beautiful, biodegradable decorations. Once Halloween is over, they can be composted or even cooked into delicious fall recipes.

2. Costume Creativity: Thrift, Swap, or DIY

Costumes are often one of the biggest contributors to Halloween waste, with many people buying new outfits every year. Instead of heading to the store for a brand-new costume, consider these low-waste options:

• Thrift Store Finds: Thrift shops are treasure troves for unique costume pieces. Not only are you reusing items, but you’re also likely to find something totally original. This is also the place where purchased costumes go to die after one use, if you’re dead set on one you can usually find them at a fraction of the cost.
• Costume Swaps: Organize a costume swap with friends or your local community. It’s a fun way to refresh your look without creating more waste.
• DIY Costumes: Get crafty with clothes and accessories you already own. You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to create a one-of-a-kind costume with a little imagination and some upcycling! A simple ‘404 error costume not found’ written on a white shirt is easy!

3. Eco-Friendly Trick-or-Treating

Candy is a big part of Halloween, but the amount of plastic waste it generates is hard to ignore. While it’s difficult to find entirely zero-waste candy, there are some ways you can reduce your trick-or-treating footprint:

Go for Minimal Packaging: Opt for candy that comes in recyclable or minimal packaging. Some brands even offer compostable wrappers.

• UNREAL (Affiliate link) makes chocolates with simple, organic ingredients, and they use less packaging compared to traditional candy brands. Their chocolates come in recyclable wrappers, and their ingredients are non-GMO and free from artificial ingredients.
• YumEarth (Affiliate link) specializes in organic, allergy-friendly treats, and their candies come in packaging that is recyclable. They offer organic lollipops, gummies, and fruit snacks that are free of artificial dyes.

Non-Candy Treats: Consider handing out non-candy items that are both fun and eco-friendly. Think seed packets, crayons, or wooden toys—something kids will enjoy and that won’t end up in a landfill.

• Temporary tattoos (Affiliate link) using non-toxic inks, and offer fun, kid-friendly designs that can replace candy treats.

4. Low-Waste Halloween Parties

Hosting a Halloween party? Here are a few tips to keep it sustainable:

• Reusable Party Supplies: Skip the disposable plates, cups, and utensils. Use your everyday dishware, or if you need extras, go for compostable or reusable options.
• Eco-Friendly Goodie Bags: If you’re putting together treat bags, try to avoid plastic bags and single-use trinkets. Reusable fabric bags or paper bags (Affiliate link) make a great alternative, and you can fill them with eco-friendly goodies like wooden toys, natural soaps, or homemade snacks.
• Food Without the Waste: Focus on homemade snacks using seasonal ingredients. Avoid excessive packaging by buying ingredients in bulk and steering clear of prepackaged food as much as possible.

5. Pumpkin Carving with a Purpose

Carving pumpkins is a beloved Halloween tradition, but don’t let your jack-o’-lantern go to waste after the holiday! Here’s how to make the most of your pumpkins:

• Roast the Seeds: Pumpkin seeds are a tasty and nutritious snack. After you scoop them out, roast them with a little oil and your favorite seasoning.
• Compost the Rest: When your jack-o’-lantern starts to wilt, toss it into the compost instead of the trash. Plus next year you may get a surprise pumpkin patch sprouting!

A Sustainable Halloween is Still Spooky Fun!

Going low-waste for Halloween doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice any of the fun or festivity. With just a few mindful changes, you can make a big impact and help reduce the environmental footprint of this spooky holiday. Whether you’re thrifting your costume, creating your own decorations, or handing out treats with less packaging, these eco-friendly alternatives will make your Halloween more sustainable—and just as memorable!

What are your favorite tips for an eco-friendly Halloween? Let me know in the comments below!