There are two periods of the year that get me super excited: Christmas and of course Halloween. I love candies, costumes, and make-up. But above all, I love watching scary horror movies. You know the ones you watch that keep you up all night. But, celebrating Halloween means waste too. So, you’re wondering if we can celebrate it in a green way? The answer is yes and will be detailed in the following article.
Costume? Make-up? Do It Yourself
According to a study conducted in the UK, it is estimated that 2,000 tonnes of plastic waste are generated from throwaway Halloween costumes. It’s a lot of plastic waste that could be avoided, don’t you agree? So, instead of buying costumes, you should start reusing, recycling the ones you already have. Otherwise, you can create your own with the materials you have at home. For example, you can dress as the scariest ghost or the friendliest one (aka Casper) by using an old bedsheet.
And if you consider wearing a mask, it’s better to paint your face than buy a plastic face mask. You can use face paint or make-up and even make your own fake blood. There are plenty of DIY tutorials on YouTube or on blogs.
Pumpkin is “green”
Everybody will agree that Halloween cannot be happening without pumpkins. So, this year we suggest you buy a “green” pumpkin. And, by green we don’t mean the color of course! We mean you should buy your pumpkins from the locals so you lower your emissions. And remember to compost your pumpkins at the end of the celebration.
Of course, no need to mention that if pumpkin is a must so are sweets. So, when you purchase candies, opt for the ones that are not individually packaged in plastics. You can even opt for healthier alternatives to sweets like dried fruit for instance. And, when you go trick-or-treating, instead of using a plastic bag that will end up in the bin opt for a tot-bag.
Ready to launch your Hallow(gr)een party?
In horror movies, it’s always about an old, haunted castle full of spider webs, old candles, with a cemetery outside… To recreate this vibe, you’ll need to decorate your house. But as you may know, if it’s one of the most enjoyable parts of Halloween it’s also the most wasteful. So, think about using your locally grown pumpkin as a decoration and light it with a candle to give your neighbors goosebumps. You can reuse old shoe boxes and turn them into small tombs. To make scary decorations, it’s all about imagination.
And no need to remind you that if you launch a party you should use washable utensils rather than single-use ones that will end up in the bin. Finally, choose organic and locally grown food from your local farmers’ market to surprise your guests. Boo!
See, you have pretty everything at home except your pumpkins. So go buy them and have fun by celebrating Hallow(gr)een.
