BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — As Halloween approaches, many are looking for sustainable ways to celebrate. From eco-friendly costumes and decorations to green trick-or-treating tips, there are plenty of options to enjoy the spooky season while reducing your carbon footprint.
Emily Colpack and Amelia Dobbs from the University of Alabama at Birmingham Green Labs say that small changes can make a big impact on reducing waste and supporting sustainability.
Costumes and Decorations
Colpack suggests using eco-friendly materials like cardboard boxes, fabric scraps, and natural dyes such as beet juice or turmeric for Halloween costumes. “Thrifted clothes from second-hand stores can create unique and sustainable costumes,” she said. Repurposing old clothes or household items can also result in original designs.
For decorations, consider using real pumpkins, dried leaf garlands, and yarn “spider webs” to avoid plastic waste. Painting cardboard boxes as tombstones or ghosts and using bowls of apples, nuts, and leaves are great alternatives. “Eco-friendly decorations help prevent animals and insects from getting caught or harmed,” Colpack added.
Trick-or-Treating and Party Ideas
To reduce waste, Colpack recommends distributing candy in paper wrapping or offering treats with edible wrapping. Alternatives like notepads, pencils, or small toys can also be eco-friendly options.
She advises carpooling for trick-or-treating to cut down on carbon emissions, making the experience more fun for children. Using reusable bags, like pillowcases or tote bags, is a sustainable choice for collecting treats.
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For Halloween parties, send digital invitations to reduce paper waste and use reusable cups, plates, and cutlery. “Serving treats in biodegradable packaging or baking your own can also be a fun and eco-friendly activity,” Colpack said. Set up a compost bin for organic waste and ensure that recyclables, like paper and cardboard, are sorted properly.
Post-Halloween Sustainability
After Halloween, Colpack encourages reusing or donating decorations. Composting organic materials like pumpkins and leaves also helps reduce waste. If you can’t store or compost decorations, consider donating them to local thrift stores or charities.
Recycling candy wrappers can be challenging, as many are not accepted in curbside programs. “Check with your local recycling guidelines to see what materials are accepted,” Colpack advised.
UAB Sustainability has set up a candy wrapper recycling bin where people can drop off wrappers at the UAB Solar House after Halloween. Email solarhouse@uab.edu to schedule a drop-off.
