Trick or Trash? How to have a more eco-friendly Halloween!

I have three words for you: Happy HalloGREEN, everybody! That’s right, you don’t have to turn out the lights and hope no one comes knocking this Halloween! Here are a few simple ways to make your Halloween more eco-friendly!

Costumes

• Let’s face it: if you can buy it at a costume store, it’s not unique. So why not hit up your local thrift store for some costume inspiration? Its zero-waste AND it’ll reduce the chances of showing up in the exact same costume as someone else. Examples of some easy-to-achieve thrift store costumes that can be found at most thrift stores:
• Zelda Fitzgerald (flapper dress, costume pearls, curled hair)
• Rosie the Riveter (red bandana, denim shirt with the sleeves rolled up)
• Tupac (large jeans, bandana, nose ring, “Thug Life” stomach tattoo)
• Where’s Waldo (Red and white knit hat, red and white striped shirt with jeans)
• Zombie Bride (wedding dress, green or pale makeup, fake blood)
• Frida Kahlo Painting (red or pink shawl, drawn on eyebrows, hair flowers and a picture frame to hold up around you)
• Fresh Prince of Bel Air (neon or bright patterned shirt, shorts, neon baseball cap)
• Minion (Yellow Sweater/Sweatshirt and Overalls)
• Audrey Hepburn (little black dress, costume, pearls, bun)
• You can also dress up as a friend! Have a friend with a distinctive sense of style? Offer to swap your most worn outfits for the day and go as each other! It’s fun AND it’s free. (You can also do this with a spouse or sibling; bonus points if you nail their most memorable mannerisms!)

Treats

• DIY treats. If you’re hosting a Halloween party or a scary movie night, rather than handing out a bowl of candy, make them something sweet. Not only will this save your from having to get rid of tons of tiny plastic wrappers, but who keeps candy in their house and doesn’t pick on it? Protect your body (especially your teeth) and make spooky sweets a one-night thing.
• Give out candy that comes in cardboard boxes and write a note on the box asking them to be recycled after they are enjoyed!
• Consider giving vegan candy or candy made from smaller, more eco-conscious companies (such as YUMEARTH Organic Pops, Justin’s Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups and Unreal Candy).

Halloween Decor Tips

• Don’t go overboard with the Halloween decor. It can be tempting to buy new decor each year, but most are made from cheap plastic material and don’t wear well. Instead, reuse what you already have.
• Use REAL pumpkins: Decorate using real pumpkins and compost it afterwards. (Don’t use paint; leave the pumpkins plain or carve them and use the insides to make yummy fall treats!)
• DIY scarecrows and monsters: Stuff a creepy thrift store outfit with hay and make your own monsters. You can reuse the hay for additional fall decor projects, gardening, or it can be composted later.

Do you have any tips for a more green Halloween? Let us know.

Happy HalloGREEN!!!