4 Ways To Celebrate An Eco-friendly Halloween

Most of suburban North America (and other parts of the world) will soon experience cries of “trick or treat” echoing around the neighborhood. While this holiday brings so much joy, fun, and spine-chilling vibes, there is a large amount of waste being produced. 

Here are 4 easy ways to make your Halloween celebration eco-friendly, without losing the essence of this yearly family celebration:

1.- Use Reusable Candy Containers

Who doesn’t remember competing with your neighborhood friends on who can get the most candy by the end of the night? However, using plastic treat containers to safeguard your sweets can be really harmful to the environment. One easy and simple solution is to use reusable bags or containers to collect your favorite candy.

Instead of buying those cutely decorated characters to store your child’s Halloween goodies, go for a brown paper bag, pillowcase, drawstring bag, or even a backpack. You can also get creative and buy plain totes that can be decorated with your favorite designs for Halloween night and reused year after year!

2.- Pumpkin Carving/Painting Tips

A trip to the closest pumpkin patch is usually on everyone’s to-do list once October hits! It makes for a wholesome family trip and it often involves delicious state-fair-like snacks. However, whether you decide to carve or paint your pumpkin, there are a few things to consider: If carving, don’t forget to save those pumpkin seeds to roast later on, use the flesh for delicious Fall/Halloween recipes, or compost them all together. If you decide to paint them, make sure you’re using an organic, non-toxic option.

3.- Green-themed Halloween Parties

If you’re thinking of throwing a Halloween party this year with friends and family, consider making it green-themed right from the start! Incentivize your attendees to dress up in green-themed, home-crafted costumes for a chance to win prizes (who said “most green-themed costume” is not a thing?!) or promote the use of rental costumes instead.

Additionally, make an effort to serve organic food and use dishes and cutlery instead of disposable plates and plastic forks and knives! Halloween may be a night for ghosts, goblins, and zombies, but with a little planning and thought, there’s no reason for your party to not be environmentally friendly, spooky, and fun all at the same time!

4.- Eco-Friendly Halloween Candy - And Other Alternatives

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly alternative to traditional candy options, vegan candy is the way to go! - animal-derived ingredients normally are more unsustainable than plant-based ingredients. You can also keep an eye out for organic lollipops, fair trade chocolates, etc. 

There is a wide range of eco-friendly Halloween treats at health food stores. Just keep in mind that while the ingredients are more sustainable, they may still come in plastic wrapping. Opt for boxed versions whenever possible, or consider “treat-ing” with these other alternatives: 

• Fruit: Most come with their own natural wrapper. You can get mini oranges, apples, bananas, or any other small fruit that can be easily carried.
  
• Trail mix and Popcorn (etc.) are also delicious options. If you happen to go the DIY route, please label everything so parents can ensure items are safe for their kids to eat (free from allergens, etc.).

Whether it be reusable treat containers, green-themed Halloween parties, or Halloween candy alternatives, there are many ways you can have fun this year’s spooky season without excess plastic and waste - It’s all about getting those creative juices going and being aware of the consequences excess consumption produces, all in the name of celebration. What are some other eco-friendly alternatives/tips you can think of? Head to our Facebook and/or Instagram and let us know!