Like a lot of celebrations, Hallowe’en can create a lot of waste so we’re sharing some Spooky Sustainable facts and tips to reduce it’s environmental impact.

Costumes

Trick or treat costumes are frighteningly bad for the environment – 83% of them use non-recyclable oil-based plastics (Hubbub). Use clothes already in your wardrobe or buy something second-hand that already exists. Upcycle items to make a costume – an old sheet can make a cape, a ghost or a toga. You can even make face paint using household ingredients! Or, if you already have an old costume, organise a swap with your friends/family/neighbours to get a new-to-you fancy dress.

Food Waste

Did you know if food waste was a country, it would be the third biggest emitter of greenhouse gases in the world (Bord Bia)? As food decomposes in landfill they release methane into the air damaging the ozone layer.

Celebrating Hallowe’en creates a lot of food waste, specifically pumpkins. So if you get any for carving or decorations, make sure to use the flesh to make soup or risotto, bake it to make a puree for baking (this freezes really well!) and toast the seeds for a snack. Or at least make sure to compost it! 🎃

Energy vampires

An energy vampire is a device that continues to use energy and drain power, even when it is turned off. And we all have them in our homes!

Examples include televisions, phone chargers, microwaves, printers and toasters. So get into the habit at all times of year of turning these off at the socket or unplugging them when not in use to save on unnecessary energy use ⚡️