How to Have a Sustainable Halloween
Halloween doesn’t have to be wasteful. Between plastic decorations, disposable partyware and mountains of pumpkin mush, Halloween can quickly turn into a landfill nightmare. But with a few small swaps, you can keep the fun alive while reducing waste.
Here’s how to have a more sustainable Halloween, one that’s just as spooky but a lot kinder to the planet.
Choose plastic-free treats
If you’re handing out lollies, look for bulk-bin options wrapped in paper or foil like boxes of Smarties and foil-wrapped chocolates. You can even bake something homemade for friends or neighbours if you’re feeling creative.
When shopping in bulk, bring your own jars or containers to avoid packaging altogether.
🧙 DIY costume
Skip the fast-fashion costume this year. Instead, re-use what you already have, borrow from a friend, or hit the op shop for something secondhand. Old sheets? Instant ghost. Black outfit? Witch-ready in seconds.
It’s a fun way to get creative, save money, and keep those polyester costumes out of landfill.
🕸️ Eco-friendly decorations
Forget cobwebs that poor birds get caught in and one-use decorations. Use what you already have, jars can become spooky lanterns, cardboard boxes can turn into bats, and use dried leaves to make beautiful natural confetti.
A few candles, dimmed lights, and some pumpkins are all you need to set the mood (no glitter required).
🎃 Don’t let your pumpkins go to waste
Instead of carving your pumpkin and tossing it out after Halloween, get the kids to decorate it with washable markers or paint. After the fun is over, you can roast the pumpkin, bake a pie or make a creamy risotto.
Don’t forget to roast the seeds too, they’re delicious and packed with nutrients. Once you’ve eaten the good bits, compost the rest to return it to the earth. A Halloween win for your tummy and the planet.
🥤 Ditch disposable partyware
Hosting a Halloween party? Swap the disposable cups and plates for real ones. If you don’t have enough, ask guests to bring their own. It’s a small change that saves a huge amount of waste. You can even decorate reusable cups with washable paint or stickers for a spooky touch.
🌏 Small swaps, big impact
You don’t need to do everything perfectly, just consciously. Each choice, from your costume to your treats, helps reduce waste and keeps Halloween fun and planet-friendly. The best part? These swaps usually save money, too.
👻 Celebrate sustainably
Halloween is all about fun, creativity and community. With a bit of extra thought, it can also be about caring for the planet, our kids and our future.
Shop eco-friendly swaps and low-waste essentials at Indisposable 🌿