Do you want to have a Scarily Sustainable Halloween in 2022? Whether it’s the spooky decorations, the frightening costumes, or the spine-tingling discarded sweet wrappers – there’s no denying that Halloween is a very plasticky-filled celebration.
That’s before we even mention the levels of food waste accumulated thanks to the age-old tradition of carving Jack O’ Lanterns (which used to involve carving ghoulish grins into turnips before the more carvable pumpkin became popular). But the good news is you have the power to make a difference in this real-life environmental horror story. After all, climate change is terrifying enough without a scary mask!
We’re not saying cancel Halloween. Far from it! After all, we’re all about brightening up the darker nights at this time of year. You can still have a fun and frightful Halloween by reducing your waste. Just make a few small changes to your normal spooky routine. Sustainability doesn’t need to be an all-or-nothing approach – even implementing a few of these recommendations can make a difference.
So you can still take part in the fun (or not if your plans involve hiding in a dark room with the curtains closed) without scaring the environment. Follow these tips and have a scarily sustainable Halloween in 2022!
Eco-friendly Costumes
If you or your kids are dressing up this year, your first port of call should always be the wardrobe. After all, the most sustainable item of clothing is the clothing that you already own. You can even hold onto wardrobe staples throughout the year such as stained t-shirts, ripped tights etc.
If you’re struggling to find what you need why don’t you host a costume exchange with friends? This one works great if you have kids who either want a completely different costume or have grown out of their old one. You can also try shopping second-hand by rummaging through charity shops or trying online second-hand sellers. Finally, consider renting a costume which can be returned and rented out again and again.
If in doubt whip out the old white sheet and go as the classic ghost!
Decorations that won’t break the bank…or the planet!
Likewise, the most sustainable Halloween decorations are the ones you already have so no need to feel any guilt over keeping hold of them! If you do need to buy some more items, make sure it’s the kind you can reuse year after year.
Alternatively, bringing the outside in by foraging for Autumn leaves, conkers and acorns is also a great way to be spooky and sustainable. With the addition of some glass jars and your Christmas fairy lights, you can create an Instagram-able Scandi vibe without breaking the bank or the planet! This can also double up as a great activity for the kids by sending them on a scavenger hunt to find the autumnal treasures.
There are also plenty of ideas online for homemade Halloween crafts to keep the kids busy during the October holidays!
Eerie-sistible Treats
For the trick-or-treaters or guisers as we call them here in Scotland, look for treats packaged in paper as opposed to plastic. On that note, did you hear Quality Street announced its chocolates will no longer be foil-wrapped in a bid to be more environmentally friendly? Nestle will change the iconic shiny and colourful plastic packaging to paper-based recyclable wrapping. All the more reason to dig in we say!
Consider giving away fruit treats such as decorated tangerines, banana ghosts, or “poisoned apples”. Giving fruit a spooky Halloween twist will make kids much more likely to tuck in!
Hosting
If you’re throwing a Halloween party try and ditch the “disposable” plates and cutlery. Yes, it’s more washing up for you at the end of the night. But you’ll be able to sleep at night knowing you’ve done your bit for the planet…easier said than done on the spookiest night of the year! If you are buying some themed items make sure they’re reusable such as table covers and napkins.
When you’re hosting close friends and family who trust your cooking skills it’s also much easier to prepare your own goodies instead of buying treats wrapped in plastic. so turn on the oven and grab an apron and prepare seasonal treats like candied apples and baked goods. Bonus points if your ingredients are local and/or organic!
Make the most out of your pumpkin
Look for a pumpkin close to home either from a local farmer’s market or a nearby pumpkin patch for a lower carbon footprint for a sustainable Halloween in 2022. Next year you could even try your hand at growing your own! As charming as they are, try not to go overboard on what you take home with you, buying only what you need.
When carving your pumpkins don’t forget to utilise the inside! The innards can be used to make tasty soup, stews and curries. Or you could take inspiration from our American friends by baking a pumpkin pie. The seeds roasted and tossed in your favourite seasoning can make a tasty snack. And even better, you can roast your pumpkin seeds in the air fryer to save on energy!
When November comes around don’t forget to compost the pumpkin in your food waste bin or compost heap.
There are mixed views on leaving your pumpkin out for wildlife. The main consensus seems to be that pumpkins can be dangerous to hedgehogs so best to avoid this.
Trick Or Treat?
If you’ve been tasked with taking the kids out guising, stay in the local area. Travel on foot, bike, or scooter, rather than driving to a different location in the car.
Try to avoid purchasing those plastic pumpkin buckets to store their loot in. Instead, repurpose a bag you already own or use a pillow case – all the more room for sweets right?
Re-boo-able Energy?
If you’re ready to implement sustainable habits all year round, now could be the perfect time to invest in renewable energy! A sustainable Halloween in 2022 is just the start. With a solar plus battery storage solution, you can power up next year’s Halloween Party with the renewable energy of the sun.
Get in touch with AES Solar today and we’ll shine a light on the best solar solution for your needs.
Have a spooktacular Halloween from us all at AES Solar!
