Halloween is one of the most exciting holidays of the year, but it’s also one of the most wasteful. From spooky décor to candy overload, the environmental impact can be downright chilling.
Luckily, there are plenty of simple ways to make Halloween more sustainable – without giving up the fun. Here are some fresh ideas for a greener Halloween in 2025.
Rethink the Candy Rush
Instead of handing out heaps of sugary treats in plastic wrappers, why not add variety with some creative, waste-free options? Think seed packets to grow spooky plants like black pansies or “bloody” beetroot, or wooden pencils and erasers in Halloween shapes. Not only are these great for reducing waste, they’re also ideal for kids with food allergies or sugar restrictions.
Local is Less Scary
Support local businesses by buying pumpkins, baked goods, and treats from nearby markets or farms. Local produce typically has a lower carbon footprint and often uses less packaging. You could also plan a “green” Halloween event in your community, like a costume swap, eco-craft night, or a walk-through haunted garden made entirely of reused materials.
Avoid Battery-Operated Decor
That light-up skeleton or singing pumpkin may seem fun, but battery-operated decorations often end up in landfill - especially when the batteries die or the electronics break. Choose decorations that are timeless and durable - like paper lanterns, fabric bunting, or hand-carved wooden signs. Or go natural with pumpkins, gourds, hay bales, and corn husks - all compostable!
Low-Carbon Costumes
Think beyond polyester and fast fashion. Organize a neighborhood costume swap or rent a costume from a local theatre or costume rental shop. You could also build a look from second-hand clothes - for example, a flannel shirt and jeans makes an easy scarecrow! Host a DIY costume challenge with friends using only upcycled or recycled materials. Get creative and encourage kids to design something from scratch using things around the house.
Set a “No-Waste” Goal with the Family
Why not challenge your household to have a “zero-waste” Halloween? That might mean reusing everything you can, composting food scraps and pumpkins, making homemade decorations, or skipping new purchases unless absolutely needed. Turning it into a family challenge makes it fun and educational for kids too.
Keep the Spooky, Skip the Waste
Halloween should be fun, not wasteful. With just a little thought and a lot of creativity, you can still enjoy every fright, giggle, and sugar rush without making an environmental nightmare.
Happy Halloween from the Pura Team!
