How to enjoy Halloween without excess damage to the planet
Halloween is synonymous with costumes and candy. The problem: the waste. The most popular candy brands include Nestlé and Mars, which are plastic packaging offenders, largely contributing to fossil fuel emissions, polluting our planet at an alarming rate. Plus a variety of non-ethically sourced chocolate brands. Sadly it does not end there. Halloween decorations are for the most part, cheaply made out of single use plastic that ends up in a landfill the next week.
Here is how to enjoy Halloween without excess damage to the planet.
First and foremost, look for chocolate and candy options that are organic, ethical and sustainable. Chocolate options that fit these categories will have certifications that include Fair Trade Certified, Rainforest Alliance, USDA organic, Fair for Life and others. If you are unsure review their website for a transparent sustainability and ethical report.
We love Raaka and Double Spiral Chocolate, which can be purchased directly on their websites. As for candies, try purchasing in bulk bags that do not contain individually wrapped pieces. This will help reduce plastic waste. Yum Earth organic and non GMO treats, for instance can be purchased in larger bags and only the lollipops are individually wrapped.
Decorations are usually plastic based and meant to be discarded after one Halloween, based on the poor quality of construction. Opt for homemade decorations instead that can be used every year. If you have mason jars, plop a soy based votive candle inside for a spooky and classic decor option. If stringing lights, make sure they are LED to save on energy and prolong the lifespan.
Pumpkins are a staple decoration, but the waste is another sad reality of Halloween night. Millions of pumpkins are simply left to rot out on the stoop, insides tossed in the trash after being carved. Instead, if you buy a traditional pumpkin, scoop out the seeds, roast, enjoy and compost the rest. OR purchase a cinderella pumpkin, which are beautiful and make an excellent display. Leave them whole on the stoop for All Hollows Eve. Then the next day roast, make puree which can be frozen and enjoy recipes all winter long. See video above for how to cook a cinderella pumpkin. Make your own risotto using the pumpkin instead of squash in this recipe.
Lastly, the most wasteful part of this holiday are the costumes. In the UK alone approximately, 2,000 tons of halloween clothing will end up in landfills. For reference that is the equivalent of 83 million plastic bottles! In an effort to reduce that number, try a few alternatives. Here are some fun ways to recycle your costumes.
