Welcome to this week’s Play It Green tip, where we explore how to have an eco-friendly Halloween that is spooktacularly sustainable. From costumes to candy, there are plenty of ways we can enjoy this ghoulish holiday while reducing our environmental impact. The average Halloween can generate massive amounts of waste—think plastic decorations, single-use costumes, and individually wrapped sweets. But fear not! This guide will help you turn your haunted house into an eco-friendly one without losing the fun.
This week, we’ll dive into some tips for costumes, makeup, and treats that are both kind to the planet and devilishly good. We’ve also rounded up three sustainable brands to help you on your eco-friendly Halloween journey. So, let’s make this Halloween one that the planet—and the ghosts—will love!
History of Halloween: From Pagan Roots to Eco-Friendly Fun
Halloween, with origins over 2,000 years ago, began with the Celtic festival of Samhain, marking the end of the harvest and the start of winter. During this festival, people believed that the boundary between the living and the dead became blurred, and ghosts would return to earth. The Celts lit bonfires and wore costumes, typically animal skins, to ward off these spirits.
Fast forward to medieval Europe, where “souling” became popular. Poor people would visit houses offering prayers for the dead in exchange for food, a practice that eventually evolved into modern-day “trick-or-treating.”
In North America, Halloween gained traction in the early 20th century, when it began to shift from a solemn day of remembrance to a more festive, family-oriented holiday. An interesting fact: early 20th-century costumes were often homemade from readily available materials.
The commercialisation of Halloween didn’t take off until the 1950s, when mass-produced costumes became the norm, often made from synthetic materials like polyester, which pose significant environmental concerns today.
As Halloween traditions spread globally, concerns around its environmental impact have grown, particularly regarding the waste generated from single-use costumes, decorations, and sweet packaging. Addressing these issues is crucial in making Halloween both fun and eco-friendly.
Environmental Impact of Halloween
Halloween is more than just spooky fun; it’s a significant contributor to environmental waste. In the UK alone, over 2,000 tonnes of plastic waste is generated annually. This is often from single-use costumes, which are usually made of non-recyclable materials like polyester. Shockingly, 83% of costumes are worn once and then discarded, contributing to the fast fashion problem. Decorations and plastic pumpkin buckets also contribute to the waste, often ending up in landfills after just one night of use.
Halloween sweets add to the environmental nightmare. Individually wrapped sweets lead to an enormous amount of plastic waste. Not to mention, many sweets contain palm oil, a product that’s linked to deforestation and loss of wildlife habitats. Around 18 million hectares of forests are cleared annually for palm oil production, affecting biodiversity.
Another startling fact: pumpkins, a Halloween staple, often go to waste after the festivities. In the UK alone, it’s estimated that 18,000 tonnes of pumpkins are thrown away each year, adding to food waste issues. The environmental impact of Halloween shows that even holidays have a footprint that needs to be reduced by more sustainable practices.
What to Look for in Eco-Friendly Halloween Choices
Having an eco-friendly Halloween is easier than you think. Start with the costumes. Instead of buying cheap, synthetic costumes, consider second-hand shops, DIY costumes, or rentals. Look for sustainable materials like organic cotton or bamboo, which are biodegradable and kinder to the planet. Some eco-friendly costume options are even made from recycled materials, reducing waste further.
Next, choose eco-friendly decorations. Instead of plastic pumpkins and store-bought décor, get crafty with recyclable materials, or use natural options like real pumpkins, which can be composted after use. You can even make your own spooky decorations from old clothes, cardboard, or paper.
For treats, seek out sweets in recyclable or compostable packaging. Brands that offer plastic-free packaging or ethical sourcing, such as Fairtrade chocolate, help reduce waste and support sustainable farming practices. Remember to avoid the common “tricks” of over-packaged treats and synthetic decorations—by thinking ahead and choosing eco-friendly alternatives, you can ensure your Halloween is both fun and sustainable.
Favourite Brands for Eco-Friendly Halloween
Handy Candy
For eco-conscious Halloween treats, Handy Candy is the way to go! Their plastic-free packaging and focus on ethically sourced ingredients make them a sweet choice for the planet. Handy Candy offers a range of vegan and natural sweets, ensuring that your trick-or-treaters enjoy tasty, guilt-free goodies this Halloween. Their environmental commitment goes beyond just candy, making them a top pick for planet-friendly celebrations. Browse their range at Handy Candy and sign up to their newsletter for 10% discount on your first purchase.
Moonlit Mill
Moonlit Mill stocks Namaki’s organic and natural Halloween face paints, perfect for spook-tacular transformations. Namaki’s face paints are made from organic ingredients and come in sustainable packaging. Whether you’re going for a creepy skeleton or a pumpkin look, their paints are safe for both kids and the environment. With Moonlit Mill, you can go green while still achieving your ultimate Halloween look. Check them out at Moonlit Mill and use voucher code NEW10 for 10% off your first order.
Etsy
Why buy a one-off costume when you can opt for a handmade, eco-friendly option from Etsy? Their marketplace offers a wide range of sustainable and reusable Halloween costumes made from upcycled materials. By supporting Etsy sellers, you’re not only getting a unique look but also reducing waste. From cute costumes for kids to creative adult outfits, Etsy’s got your sustainable Halloween sorted. Browse their eco-friendly costumes at Etsy Sustainable Costumes.
Wrap-Up
This Halloween, make your celebrations a little greener by choosing eco-friendly alternatives for costumes, face paint, and treats. Brands like Handy Candy, Moonlit Mill, and Etsy make it easy to enjoy the spooky season while keeping waste to a minimum. A planet-friendly Halloween doesn’t mean compromising on fun—just get creative with how you celebrate! Let’s show that being green can be spook-tacular and inspiring at the same time. 🎃
