From Costumes to Compost: Making Halloween More Sustainable
By Amy Ryan, Communications Coordinator, EcoSuperior
Halloween is a time for spooky fun, creative costumes, and neighbourhood adventures. But between plastic decorations, single-use costumes, and individually wrapped treats, it's also one of the more wasteful holidays of the year. The good news is that with a few thoughtful choices, it's easy to keep the fun alive while reducing your environmental impact.
One of the biggest opportunities for change is with costumes. Many are worn only once before ending up forgotten in closets or tossed in the garbage. Instead of buying new, consider thrifting for unique pieces that can be transformed into one-of-a-kind outfits. Hosting a costume swap with friends, family, or at school is another great way to give costumes a second life, especially for kids who love “new-to-them” looks. If you're feeling creative, try putting together a DIY costume using items from your own closet or craft box. Homemade costumes are often the most memorable and sustainable of all.
Decorations are another area where a few eco-friendly swaps can make a big difference. Rather than relying on flimsy plastic décor that breaks easily and can't be recycled, opt for natural or reusable alternatives. Pumpkins make beautiful, compostable displays, while dried leaves, branches, or gourds add a seasonal touch without waste. LED string lights create an inviting glow and can be used year after year. If you love themed décor, choose durable pieces that can be stored and reused for many Halloweens to come, rather than replaced each season.
Treats are a Halloween essential, but they often come with a lot of plastic packaging that ends up in landfills. When possible, look for candies wrapped in paper or recyclable materials, or offer non-candy treats like pencils, stickers, or seed packets. If you're sharing treats with friends or neighbours you know well, homemade goodies are a thoughtful, waste-free option. And don't forget to swap out plastic pumpkin buckets for reusable bags or pillowcases when trick-or-treating.
Halloween makeup and personal care products can also contain harmful ingredients such as parabens, phthalates, and microplastics. Choosing greener options helps keep these substances out of our waterways and away from your skin. DIY face paints using natural pigments or food colouring are a fun alternative, and water-based, non-toxic makeup is widely available. For hair styling, try cornstarch-based dry shampoo or natural oils instead of aerosol hairsprays.
And when Halloween night is over, your pumpkins can keep giving back. On November 1st, we invite the community to bring their paint- and glitter-free pumpkins to our Pumpkin Parade at Hillcrest Park, where they'll be displayed beautifully lit before being collected for composting. It's a fun, community-focused way to give your pumpkin a second life while keeping waste out of the landfill.
Finally, remember to leave no trace. Whether you're hosting a party or heading out to trick-or-treat, aim to keep outdoor spaces clean. Pick up litter as you go, compost pumpkins at the end of the season, and store decorations for future use. These small actions help keep our neighbourhoods and natural spaces beautiful long after the spooky season ends.
Eco-friendly doesn't mean less fun; it means making thoughtful choices that are better for both people and the planet. By reusing, thrifting, and reducing waste, you can enjoy a spooky, memorable Halloween while helping protect the environment we all share.
