By Alexandra Isham, Alliance Intern from Ohio State University ‘25
As you step outside and smell the crisp, dewy air, you glance up to see the cool breeze sending cherry-red and burnt-orange leaves swirling down from the trees. A gloomy overcast blankets the sky, casting a moody atmosphere complementing the season. Suddenly, it hits you: how will you celebrate Halloween this year? Excitement buzzes through you as images of costumes, candy, and festivities dance in your mind. But amidst the thrill, a thought lingers—how can you make your Halloween celebration eco-friendly?
The Haunting Truth: Halloween consumerism
Halloween is my all-time favorite holiday, but I’m not a fan of the waste it produces. The true horror of Halloween lies not in the haunted houses, but in the startling amounts of waste produced during this spooky season. Halloween has evolved into a major consumer holiday, with the average American expected to spend approximately $87 this year, leading to an impressive total of $9 billion nationwide, according to the National Retail Federation.
Dress to Distress: Halloween’s Plastic Problem Unmasked
Most of the materials used to create the costumes found at stores like Spirit Halloween, are made from harmful plastics that consequently end up in our landfills. The scariest aspect of Halloween is the gruesome volume of plastic waste accumulated in the US. In fact, nearly 12 million pounds of textile from Halloween costumes are discarded each year in the US, with countless outfits tossed aside after just one wear.
If you’d like a humorous but devastating look at Halloween costumes in one of the numerous 6 week pop-up Spirit Halloween stores, check out Saturday Night Live’s skit.
Rotting Away: How Pumpkin Waste Looms Over Halloween
A large number of pumpkins picked ultimately go to waste, with an estimated 1.3 billion pounds discarded each year in the US, reports Waste Dive. Plus, growing these pumpkins requires a lot of water — 16 gallons per plant per week. This showcases the absurd amount of wasted resources involved in producing pumpkins, not to mention their transportation, and those that never get sold.
Spooky Sustainability Tips
Here are some eco-tips to make your Halloween both thrilling and gentle on the planet:
Ditch the Plastic and Try Eco-Friendly Costumes — Instead of buying new, single-use costumes, try reusing what you already have or get creative with second hand materials. I love to visit thrift stores or swap costumes with friends. Thrifting is a great way to find unique, vintage pieces for your costume while avoiding the waste that comes from fast-fashion Halloween costumes. You’ll not only reduce waste (and save money) but also have a one-of-a-kind outfit that stands out!
Use Natural Biodegradable Decorations — Skip the plastic decorations that end up in landfills and choose natural, biodegradable materials instead. One Tree Planted suggests using items like pumpkins, gourds, straw, or autumn leaves. This is a great way to keep your home festive while reducing waste. After Halloween, pumpkins can be composted or fed to wildlife. Plus, when you compost your decorations, you give nutrients back to the soil instead of creating more landfill waste.
Don’t Throw Out Those Pumpkin Guts and Seeds! — After scooping out your jack-o-lantern, you can take the seeds and roast them as a great healthy treat. You can also feed your cat or dog the flesh of the pumpkin as a treat in moderation, adding fiber and other nutrients to their diet. Pumpkins can be ground up to use as a meal topper, or you can also give them raw or lightly toasted pumpkin, Rover states. Just make sure to cook it plain — no spices or sugars!
You can mash together pumpkin, bone broth (made for dogs or cats) and freeze dried treats and put it in ice cube molds, turning the pumpkin into long-lasting treats! These are simple 3-ingredient treats that will save you money and reduce your waste. As a cat mom, both my cats love cooked pumpkin and I’ll continue to do this every year.
Compost Your Pumpkins — Check if your community offers a designated drop-off for pumpkin composting. If you live in the city, consider feeding your leftover pumpkins to local wildlife like squirrels — they’ll love the treat, and it keeps pumpkins out of the landfill!
Minimize Treat Packaging — Halloween is often associated with tons of plastic-wrapped candy. Instead of buying single-serving candies, consider purchasing candy in bulk to reduce packaging. There are many easy ways to avoid plastic by choosing candy with minimal or recyclable packaging. If you’re hosting a Halloween party, you can even make homemade baked goods to cut down on waste altogether!
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth with Healthier Halloween Treats — This Halloween, why not switch things up by handing out alternatives to the usual candy? While kids will be swimming in Snickers and Skittles, you can surprise them with something unexpected, healthier and tasty. Brands like YumEarth, Justin’s, and Surf Sweets offer delicious organic, vegan and gluten-free options that are perfect for trick-or-treaters. Not only will you be offering something unique, but you’ll also be supporting more sustainable and eco-friendly choices.
Having Your Treats Without Tricking the Planet
I love Halloween so much and these steps aren’t meant to steer you away from celebrating it. Instead, they invite you to embrace more sustainable choices that save you money and protect our planet. By making small, eco-conscious changes, you can thrive in the spooky season while leaving a lighter footprint on the Earth. Each thoughtful decision contributes to a greener future.
Happy Green Halloween!
