CREATIVE WAYS TO REDUCE WASTE WHILE MAKING THE MOST OF SPOOKY SEASON
Halloween is a fun time to get creative, but it’s easy to accumulate new costumes and decorations each year when there are already plenty of options available. A few thoughtful changes can help reduce waste while keeping the holiday just as festive.
1. GIVE HOUSEHOLD ITEMS A NEW USE
A great costume can start with things you already have around your home. Look through your recycling bin, craft supplies, or old clothing before heading to the store. Cardboard boxes, paper bags, fabric scraps, and everyday household items can become creative costumes with a little imagination.
A paper bag princess costume is a classic example. Fasten together paper bags into a royal gown, or if the costume is for a kid — or you find an adult-sized paper bag — even easier! All you have to do is cut holes for your head and arms. You can also create a crown from recycled cardboard.
A cardboard box can also have a second life as a costume. Create a colourful Rubik’s Cube by cutting openings for your head and arms, then decorating the box with recycled paper or paint. It’s up to you to decide whether your cube will be perfectly solved or you proudly show off a few mixed-up colours.
2. GATHER INSPIRATION FROM NATURE
Your backyard or neighbourhood park can be a great source of Halloween inspiration. Gather up fallen leaves, twigs, and other natural materials, and see what creative ideas you can bring to life. Remember to only collect materials that are already on the ground and avoid taking anything that is still growing.
Once you’ve gathered your supplies, you can become a whimsical Woodland Fae. Cut out a mask from cardboard and decorate it with moss, twigs, and leaves. To finish the look, make a crown by shaping twigs into a frame and adding dried leaves and small flowers for a magical forest-inspired look.
You can also create nature-inspired Halloween decorations, like a wreath made with fallen branches and leaves or painted rocks with Halloween characters. If you carve pumpkins this year, save the seeds to roast as a snack, and use the insides in recipes like soups and muffins. Once spooky season is over, consider composting your pumpkin instead of sending it to the landfill.
3. SHOP SECOND-HAND
Thrift stores are a great place to find one-of-a-kind Halloween costumes. A retro outfit, vintage accessories, or a creative combo of pre-loved clothing can become a costume that stands out from the crowd. Better yet, look for items that can be worn beyond Halloween and can become part of your everyday wardrobe after the holiday.
When decorating your home, it’s easy to get inspired by the Halloween displays you see on Pinterest and Instagram and feel tempted to buy a whole new collection of decorations. Instead, use those ideas as inspiration and look for similar pieces at thrift stores.
4. SWAP WITH FRIENDS & FAMILY
Many costumes are only worn once or twice before being stored away or donated to a thrift store. A costume swap is an easy way to find a new look while giving an old costume another chance to be enjoyed.
Ask friends and family if they have costumes they no longer need. It can be pretty fun (and hilarious!) seeing what people have held on to over the years. You might find the perfect outfit without adding another item to your closet.
5. CHOOSE REUSABLE OPTIONS FOR TRICK-OR-TREATING
Small changes can help reduce waste during Halloween night. If your kids are going trick-or-treating, instead of buying them a new plastic container or bag to use for this one evening, let them use something you already have at home, such as a pillowcase or a tote bag. They could even customize the bag by decorating it with paint, markers, ribbons, or fabric.
6. BONUS TIP: KEEP ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN MIND
A few energy-efficient choices can help lower energy use while keeping the Halloween spirit high.
Choose LED lights for your indoor and outdoor decorations. They use less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, last longer, and are available in a variety of colours and styles to create the perfect spooky atmosphere. Using a timer can also help make sure your lights are on only when you need them.
While handing out treats at home, turn off the lights in the rooms you aren’t using. If you’re opening and closing the door often, consider lowering your thermostat slightly before trick-or-treaters arrive so your heating system isn’t working as hard to keep up.
After the festivities are over, unplug decorations that don’t need to stay powered. Many decorations use energy even when they’re turned off but still plugged in, which is known as phantom power. While ghosts and ghouls are welcome on Halloween night, phantom power is one thing you don’t want lingering in your home.
With a little extra thought and creativity, you can enjoy a festive celebration while reducing waste and energy use. Have a safe, fun, and sustainable Halloween!