Halloween Tips – Celebrate Sustainably with SuperBee
Plastic-wrapped candy, single-use decorations, costumes designed for one-time use… Halloween has the potential to become a terrifying show of plastic waste. Looking for Zero-Waste Halloween ideas? Don’t worry, eco-warriors! With a bit of preparation and the right materials, you can maintain your zero-waste lifestyle and still enjoy a fun-filled Halloween.
Offer Treats Without Plastic Packaging
Supermarket shelves are overflowing with individually wrapped chocolates and candies this time of year. While these treats may be sweet for the kids, they’re an environmental nightmare due to all the plastic packaging.
For trick-or-treaters, you can join in the fun without the waste. Look for candies wrapped in recyclable foil or packaged in paper boxes. Alternatively, buy bulk treats and pack them into homemade paper bags or small fabric pouches. Decorate these for added charm—kids will love your eco-friendly Halloween goodies!
Skip Store-Bought Decorations
Plastic cobwebs and other disposable Halloween decorations may seem like a fun and affordable option, but they quickly turn into landfill waste.
Instead, get creative! Use cardboard and other materials you already have at home to craft your own spooky decorations. This also doubles as a fun activity for kids.
Nature can also lend a hand. If you live in the northern hemisphere, collect twigs, leaves, and pinecones for beautiful autumnal decor. Carve fruits or vegetables into eerie shapes or use real pumpkins instead of plastic ones.
For pumpkins, go all in: carve them, use the pulp to bake delicious pies, roast the seeds for a snack, and compost the rest after the holiday.
Be Creative with Costumes
A cheap polyester costume may seem like an easy solution, but is it worth buying something you’ll only wear once, considering the energy and materials that went into making and shipping it?
The best eco-friendly Halloween costumes are creative ones! Use clothes you already have to create a unique look, or repurpose last year’s costume with a twist (zombie firefighter, anyone?).
If you need something new, try borrowing from a friend or shopping second-hand. Renting costumes is also a great option to avoid waste.
Remember the 4 Rs: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
While you can control your zero-waste Halloween at home, you can’t dictate what your neighbors or kids’ friends might hand out. This is where the 4 Rs come in handy:
- Refuse: Avoid single-use plastics and items with excessive packaging. Teach your children to recognize eco-friendly options and skip items like plastic toys or heavily packaged candies.
- Reduce: Cut down on waste or your carbon footprint by coordinating with neighbors for a walkable trick-or-treat area instead of driving long distances.
- Reuse: Repurpose decorations and items you already have, and opt for reusable materials wherever possible. For example, SuperBee’s colorful sandwich bags make the perfect treat carriers. Plus, they might inspire others to switch to sustainable alternatives!
- Recycle: Take the time to clean and recycle materials like foil wrappers from candies.
If you already own store-bought decorations or costumes, don’t worry—it’s not too late to embrace sustainability. Use them again next year or repurpose them for another occasion.
Every Small Step Counts
You don’t need to overhaul your entire lifestyle overnight to make Halloween more eco-friendly. A bit of planning and a mindful approach can make a huge difference. Start with these Zero-Waste Halloween tips, and you’ll be on your way to a greener celebration!