As Halloween creeps closer, I’m reminded of how much fun this time of year brings—carved pumpkins on porches, kids in costumes knocking on doors, and an air of spookiness that never gets old.
But during all the fun, I’ve been thinking about how to make Halloween more sustainable, without losing any of the magic.
Let me take you through my plan for a sustainable Halloween this year.
Instead of heading to the store for new costumes, I’ve decided to dig through our closets and old boxes to see what we can repurpose. Last year’s pirate costume? Maybe with a little tweak, it can become a zombie pirate! My idea for this year is to upcycle some old clothes into a “mad scientist” look-fitting, given my passion for sustainability and science. I’m using some old lab glasses, a white coat I no longer wear, and some chalk to dust my hair gray. It’s fun, simple, and best of all, uses items I already own.
Photo by Thirdman: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-in-black-long-sleeve-shirt-holding-red-apple-fruit-5415254/
But the creativity doesn’t stop there! We’re also thinking of turning an old black dress into a witch outfit by adding some handmade felt stars or transforming a superhero cape from last year into a vampire cloak with a fabric dye. Got an old hoodie? It can become a “black cat” costume with some DIY ears and a tail made from scrap fabric. For a more adventurous look, how about a “nature explorer” costume? Old cargo pants, a backpack, a pair of binoculars, and you’re ready to go on an eco-friendly safari!
Tip from my own experience:
Get the family involved in costume creation. It’s such a fun activity to brainstorm together and see who can have the most creative (and eco-friendly!) ideas.
Decorating is always one of my favorite parts of Halloween, but this year, I’m steering clear of plastic skeletons and inflatable ghosts. Instead, I’m focusing on natural decorations that can be composted or reused. I’ll be getting pumpkins from the local farmers’ market—carving them with the family is a must—and save the seeds to roast later as a tasty snack.
I’m also making garlands out of fallen leaves and dried flowers from my garden, which add a lovely autumnal vibe to the house.
This year, I’m adding a few more eco-friendly touches. We’re making spooky lanterns out of old glass jars, which we’ll paint with fun Halloween designs and fill with LED candles to save energy. I’ve also decided to craft some scarecrows using old clothes, straws, and branches from the yard. It’s a great way to recycle materials we already have and create something that looks festive.
For a final touch, we’re using biodegradable paper to cut out bats and ghosts to hang around the house. The best part? These decorations can be reused next year or composted after the season!
Tip from my own experience:
Make decorating a family activity! Whether collecting leaves together or painting jars, it’s a great way to spend time with loved ones while keeping things eco-friendly. Plus, everyone can add their creative twist to the décor!
Candy is a big part of Halloween, but I’m determined that our treats are as eco-friendly as possible this year. Here are the recipes that I'll use:
Homemade Pumpkin Spice Energy Bites: Combine oats, pumpkin puree, nut butter, honey, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Roll them into bite-sized balls for a nutritious snack.
Chocolate-Dipped Fruit: Use seasonal fruits like apples or bananas and dip them in dark chocolate. You can even add some crushed nuts or coconut for extra texture. This treat is healthier than candy bars and can be packaged in biodegradable wrappers.
Nut Butter and Celery Monsters: Spread almond or peanut butter into celery sticks and add raisins for eyes. These fun, healthy snacks are great for kids and adults alike.
Vegan Ghost Cupcakes: Bake cupcakes using organic ingredients and top them with coconut cream or a vegan frosting. Use chocolate chips for eyes and create little ghost faces to add a spooky touch.
Spooky Trail Mix: Create a mix of nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and a sprinkle of dark chocolate or organic candy corn.
Apple Slices with Cinnamon Sugar: Slice up some apples and sprinkle them with a mixture of cinnamon and a touch of sugar. Bake them for a warm treat that feels festive without being overly sweet.
Photo by Daisy Anderson: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-holding-chocolate-cupcakes-on-a-tray-5583529/
We love trick-or-treating around the neighborhood, but this year we’re leaving the car behind. Walking door-to-door reduces our carbon footprint and lets us spend more time soaking in the Halloween spirit and seeing everyone’s costumes up close. Plus, who doesn’t love a crisp autumn evening stroll?
Photo by Yuting Gao: https://www.pexels.com/photo/group-of-children-in-halloween-costumes-1557549/
A fun twist I’m adding this year:
I’m organizing a mini “spooky walking tour” with a few families on the block—dressing up, grabbing our reusable treat bags, and walking together to reduce car use.
After the spooky fun ends, I’m sure nothing will go to waste. Leftover candy will be donated to a local shelter, and the costumes we created will either be saved for future dress-up days or donated to a costume swap. Of course, all our natural decorations will be composted to enrich the garden.
**My favorite part of cleanup:** Knowing that everything we’ve used has another life ahead—whether it’s feeding the compost, being repurposed, or simply lasting another season.
This year, preparing for Halloween has been a fun challenge—finding new ways to enjoy the holiday while keeping things eco-friendly. The best part? I don’t feel like we’re sacrificing any of the excitement. From DIY costumes to nature-inspired decorations, this sustainable approach has brought more creativity into the celebration. I can’t wait for Halloween night, knowing we’re doing our part to treat the planet a little better!
By embracing sustainable living, we adopt practices that contribute to the well-being of the environment, society, and economy.
The idea of a sustainable diet was established in 2010.
A sustainable diet is considered to be a diet that resembles a nutritionally healthy diet.
Sustainability goes beyond admiration; it is a commitment to maintaining the delicate balance between our species and the planet.
Several scientists are “defending” meat consumption, replying that red meat is the source of essential nutrients.