Vibrant autumn colors, crisp leaves underfoot, pumpkin-spiced everything can only mean one thing: Halloween is here! If you’re like most homeowners, you’ll want to decorate your home for the occasion. But before you go out and buy a bunch of plastic trinkets and single-use props, consider these eco-friendly alternatives. With a little creativity, these eco-friendly Halloween decorating ideas can be as scary as they are sustainable.
Why Decorate Your Home For Halloween?
Halloween is a great opportunity to get creative with your decorating. Whether you want to go for a spooky, eerie vibe or something more fun and festive, there are endless possibilities. If you’re new to your neighborhood, decorating for Halloween is a great way to meet your neighbors and get involved in the community. Moving soon? Some experts say decorating for the seasons can help your home sell faster.
The same logic applies to landlords. Tasteful holiday decorations can help attract new tenants and fill vacancies. Taking an eco-friendly approach will help minimize costs and reduce your property’s carbon footprint.
Pumpkins Can be More Than Just Jack-o-Lanterns
Jack-o-lanterns are essential for any Halloween display. Many people don’t realize that there are many ways to reduce waste and make positive environmental choices during the carving process.
Start by considering where your pumpkins come from. Keep an eye out for pumpkins sold at a local farm stand or farmer’s market. This assures they haven’t been shipped long distances, using up fossil fuels. Locally grown produce is less likely to contain pesticides that pollute both water and soil when sprayed. Conservation starts with consumption. Purchasing local pumpkins for Halloween is a small step towards reducing your overall contribution to carbon emissions.
When it comes to carving, resist the urge to just toss the innards in the trash. The seeds can be roasted for a tasty, nutritious snack. The guts can be added to your compost pile or used as fertilizer in the garden.
And don’t be the neighbor that lets rotting Jack-o-lanterns ruin their front entrance design. Let this year’s decorative pumpkins be the start of your at-home composting bin. Composting is one of the best eco-friendly ways to dispose of garden waste. If you don’t have a compost bin, consider starting one this fall so you can reap the rewards by spring.
Make DIY Lanterns with Plastic Bottles
Halloween is the perfect time to recycle those plastic water bottles, soda bottles, and milk jugs. With a little creativity, they can be turned into eco-friendly lanterns. These are also a great activity to do with the kids.
To make your own lantern, start by washing out the bottle and removing the label. Next, cut or draw a spooky face into the front of the bottle. Finally, insert a battery-powered tea candle into the bottle. Light them up, line them along the sidewalk, and delight your neighborhood’s trick-or-treaters!
DIY Halloween Costumes Save Money & the Planet
One of the best things about Halloween is getting to dress up in a costume. Unfortunately, many costumes are only worn once and then end up in the trash. This year, take a more sustainable approach by creating your own costume from items you already have or can easily find second-hand.
For example, if you want to be a witch, head to the thrift shop and look for a black dress or skirt with a black turtleneck. If you’re good with a needle and thread, you can even try sewing your own pointy hat.
Find Reusable Trick-or-Treat Containers
Halloween isn’t just about the costumes and decorations. It’s also about the candy! One of the biggest problems with Halloween is all the flimsy, store-bought containers for trick-or-treating. This year, ditch the disposables and opt for a reusable treat container instead.
There are all sorts of fun and festive options available. You can buy a reusable pumpkin-shaped bucket or bag or get creative and upcycle an old lunchbox, backpack, or tote bag. Just make sure it’s big enough to hold all your treats!
Design Your Own Yard Decorations
Halloween is the perfect time to get creative and make your own yard decorations. There are all sorts of fun and easy DIY projects you can do with items you already have around the house.
Get creative with old sheets, towels, or tablecloths and turn them into spooky ghosts or witches. You can also use recycled materials like old cardboard boxes or discarded plywood to build your very own walk-through haunted house. If you don’t have any of these items around the house, there are environmentally friendly stores that may provide them for cheap. Talk to businesses in your neighborhood to see if they’re looking to get rid of wooden pallets, plastic buckets, or produce boxes.
These homemade decorations are not only more eco-friendly than store-bought ones, but they’re also often more unique and personal. Your neighbors will be sure to enjoy them!
Eco-Friendly Halloween Decor: So Fun, It’s Scary
You don’t have to sacrifice sustainability for spirit this Halloween. You can have a fun and eco-friendly Halloween by following some simple tips. Instead of just using pumpkins for jack-o-lanterns, you can use them in other ways too. You can also make your own lanterns out of plastic bottles. When it comes to costumes, DIY costumes are not only cheaper, but they’re better for the environment. And finally, when trick-or-treating, look for reusable containers that you can use year after year. Make this Halloween your most sustainable yet!
