The scariest part of Halloween isn’t the haunts or horror movies, it’s the frightening amount of plastic pollution it creates every year!
Here are a few ways to reduce plastic this spooky season:
Candy
According to the World Economic Forum, $400 million of uneaten candy gets tossed every year, and much of that candy is wrapped in single-use plastic.
- Make homemade treats like cookies instead of buying plastic-wrapped candy.
- If you want to buy candy, opt for those wrapped in cardboard or aluminum foil.
- Tony’s Chocolonely sells paper-wrapped chocolate.
- Other examples: Hershey’s miniatures, Reese’s in foil, Dots, Nerds, Milk Duds, Junior Mints
- Go to a local candy store and buy candy in bulk! Usually you can bring your own container as well. Opt to package candy in small paper bags rather than cellophane.
- Get baked goods from your favorite local bakery (bonus points if they are an Ocean Friendly Restaurant!)
- If your kids need a way to collect candy, avoid buying a plastic bucket and repurpose an item you already own – a wooden basket, canvas tote bag, or even a pillowcase!
Bulk candy can be wrapped up in tissue paper to look like a pumpkin!
Costumes
According to a 2019 report, an estimated 35 million costumes are thrown away in the U.S. each year, and 83% of them are made from synthetic, oil-based plastics which will never degrade in a landfill.
- Use what you already have in your closet! The coolest costumes are those that are one-of-a-kind and creative.
- Swap costumes with your friends.
- Shop secondhand for costumes rather than buying fast fashion.
- Get crafty by making your own costume out of paper or cardboard.
Decorations
Discarded pumpkins during Halloween account for 18,000 tons of food waste, according to the World Economic Forum.
- Use real pumpkins to decorate your space - and avoid painting them. This way you can use them to make a delicious pumpkin pie or bread! You can also roast the seeds to avoid letting any part of the pumpkin go to waste.
- If you’re not going to bake with them, compost your pumpkins after the holiday. No way to compost where you live? Local farms and petting zoos often take pumpkins after the holiday to feed to their goats, chickens, or pigs! Check to see if there are any in your area who will accept your Jack-o-lanterns at the end of their life.
- Use leaves to create garland or confetti – all you need is a hole-puncher! This will bring a natural feel to your fall decor.
- If you want to buy decorations, purchase them secondhand or invest in decorations that can be reused year after year. Opt for wood, paper, glass, metal, or fabric over plastic.
- Skip the plastic spiderwebs, especially outside, as birds and other creatures can get stuck in them. Use old yarn or string to make spiderwebs and make sure to place them in places where wildlife are not harmed.
Parties
- If you are hosting for Halloween, avoid the plastic pint cups and opt for reusable glasses or these aluminum pints from Ball.
- Put out real silverware, plates, and napkins over disposables, and opt for finger foods to reduce the need for utensils. You could also offer bamboo or wooden utensils to avoid bioplastic.
- Buy beverages in bulk - instead of single-use water bottles, sodas, or beer, find what you need in a larger vessel to reduce packaging.
- Set up an obvious place to recycle cans and bottles to avoid sending recyclables to the landfill.
- Pack up leftover food sustainably with reusable containers, Stasher bags, jars, or foil. Avoid using plastic wrap or disposable baggies.
- Avoid unnecessary plastic party favors like Halloween spider rings or toys. Set a new sustainable standard by showing your guests there’s no need for favors, especially wasteful ones!
Your local chapter or club might have their own plans for celebrating! Check out upcoming volunteer opportunities for Halloween-inspired events.
