Trick or Treat? How to Have a Halloween That Won’t Haunt the Planet
With Halloween fast approaching, the excitement of picking out the perfect costume is in full swing - especially for the kids. But before you rush out and buy something new, let’s take a moment to think about how we can celebrate Halloween more sustainably.
Halloween costumes are often made of cheap, synthetic materials that can be harmful to the environment. Most Halloween costumes are used once or twice, then tossed aside. In fact, the average person today buys 60% more clothes than they did 15 years ago, but we wear them far less—about 7 times on average, compared to 120 times in the past. This throwaway culture leads to serious environmental consequences.
Every year, 92 million tons of textile waste is generated globally, which is like dumping a garbage truck full of clothes in landfill every second. Most fancy dress costumes are made from polyester or other synthetic fibres, which can take up to 200 years to decompose in landfills. Plus, synthetic fibres shed microplastics when washed, which end up in our oceans, our water supply and consequently our brains!
So, what’s the alternative? Instead of buying a new, cheaply made costume, why not get creative with what you already have? Can you upcycle some old clothes into a costume? Or maybe try a local costume swap with friends or school - your kids could end up with a much more unique and exciting outfit! There are also great pre-loved options on platforms like Vinted and eBay to name a few along with your local charity shops, where you’ll find costumes that are budget-friendly, have less impact on the environment and ultimately are more unique to you.
With so many options available, making more sustainable costume choices can be easy and a lot more fun! So this year, please think twice before buying a fast fashion costume. Let’s make this Halloween spooky without haunting the planet!
Here are some additional simple tips to make Halloween more sustainable:
Avoid Plastic Decorations: Opt for reusable or DIY decorations made from natural materials like paper, fabric, or wood. Plastic decorations can last for hundreds of years in landfills.
Use the Whole Pumpkin: After carving your pumpkin, save the seeds to roast for a snack, and use the flesh for soups, pies, or smoothies. Compost the rest to avoid food waste.
Ditch the Single-Use Plastic Treat Bags: Use reusable cloth bags or baskets for trick-or-treating. You can even repurpose old tote bags or pillowcases to give them a Halloween twist.
Choose Eco-Friendly Makeup: Avoid face paints and cosmetics with harmful chemicals. Instead, look for natural or organic options that are better for your skin and the environment.
DIY Decorations: Get creative by making your own decorations from items you already have at home. Old sheets can become spooky ghosts, or you can paint recycled jars for eerie lanterns.
These small changes can help make your Halloween festivities much more eco-friendly!