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Halloween is a time for spooky fun, but it doesn’t have to be scary for the environment! Traditional decorations often involve single-use plastic and other wasteful materials that end up haunting landfills long after Halloween is over. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to celebrate with hauntingly low-waste decorations that are both eco-friendly and festive. Here are some ideas to get you started!
Natural Decorations
Naturally the first option is to use compostable and biodegradable decor both inside and outside.
Pumpkins and Gourds: Use real pumpkins, gourds, and squash for outdoor and indoor decor. They’re completely biodegradable and can be composted afterward. Plus, they add a classic, seasonal charm!
Dried Cornstalks and Leaves: These make perfect accents for porches, doorways, and windows. Once Halloween is over, they can be composted or even saved for Thanksgiving decor!
Pinecones, Twigs, and Stones: Collect these natural elements to create rustic decorations like garlands, wreaths, or tabletop displays. They’re free and add a beautifully eerie vibe.
Creepy Dried Flower Arrangements: Gather dried flowers, grasses, and herbs to create eerie yet elegant centerpieces. Look for dark-colored or naturally faded blooms, like black-eyed Susans, lavender, and eucalyptus, which add an otherworldly touch to your decor. You can even add some twisty branches or feathers for extra spookiness!
Upcycled Halloween Crafts
Using common household items to get kids involved in creating decorations is always fun.
Milk Jug Ghosts: Instead of throwing away empty milk jugs, turn them into ghost lanterns! Simply paint them white, add spooky faces with black paint or markers, and place a reusable LED light inside.
Toilet Paper Roll Bats and Spiders: Save those empty toilet paper rolls! Paint them black, add some paper wings for bats, or create multiple “legs” for spiders. These decorations are easy for kids to make, too!
Jar Lanterns: Reuse glass jars by painting or covering them with tissue paper to create glowing Jack-O’-Lanterns, ghosts, or other ghoulish characters. Add a tea light or LED candle for a spooky effect!
Reusable Halloween Banners and Signs
Fabric Banners: Instead of plastic, make or purchase Halloween banners from fabric or burlap. You can store these and use them every Halloween for years to come!
Wooden Signs: Paint and decorate reclaimed wood to create your own custom Halloween signs. They’re durable, add rustic charm, and can be reused or repainted for other occasions.
Tips for Low-Waste Halloween Success
Plan Ahead: Decide what decorations you want to make ahead of time so you can gather materials and avoid last-minute purchases of non-recyclable items.
Buy Secondhand: If you need to buy something, check thrift stores first for Halloween decor. You’ll save money and give pre-loved items a second chance. There are lots of great options that used items like bottles, books, old photos, and good old-fashioned taper candles can be made to look extra creepy just because of their age and condition.
Store and Reuse: After Halloween, pack away decorations for next year. Reusable decorations save you money, time, and help the planet.
By choosing low-waste decorations, you can enjoy a spooky and stylish Halloween while keeping your environmental impact to a minimum. Remember, every little bit counts, and these small changes can make a big difference for our planet. Have a hauntingly green Halloween!
Locally made Taper Candles Available at Trove
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