Halloween is a magical time for children, full of spooky costumes, lollies, and creativity. But while it’s fun, it can also lead to a lot of waste—plastic decorations, non-recyclable lolly wrappers, and fast fashion costumes. This year, why not create a greener Halloween with your family? Here are some simple and sustainable ways to celebrate an eco-friendly Halloween at home that your children will love.

1. DIY Costumes with a Twist

Instead of purchasing new costumes, get creative and make your own using materials you already have at home. Raid your closets for old clothes, unused fabric, and craft supplies. With a little imagination, an old shirt can become a pirate costume, or a bedsheet can transform into a spooky ghost. Involve your children in the process to make it a fun, hands-on experience.

Tip: Try a costume swap with friends or neighbours—this way, children get a new look each year without buying anything new.

2. Eco-Friendly Decorations

Skip the store-bought plastic decorations and opt for nature-inspired, homemade alternatives. Gather leaves, twigs, pinecones, and pumpkins to create a natural, spooky vibe. You can make garlands from dried leaves or create “spider webs” out of yarn scraps. Repurpose old jars into eerie lanterns by painting them and adding candles or LED lights inside.

Tip: Use pumpkins as a centrepiece for your eco-friendly Halloween décor. Not only are they biodegradable, but they can also be composted or used for cooking afterward!

3. Sustainable Trick-or-Treating

Lolly wrappers contribute significantly to Halloween waste, but there are greener ways to enjoy the treat tradition. Make homemade Halloween snacks with your children like spooky-shaped cookies or mini caramel apples, and pack them in reusable containers for trick-or-treaters or family events. If you do buy treats, opt for those with minimal or recyclable packaging.

Tip: For your children’s trick-or-treating bags, swap plastic buckets for reusable cloth bags, baskets, or even pillowcases!

4. Zero-Waste Pumpkin Fun

Pumpkin carving is a timeless Halloween activity, but often, the pumpkin’s insides go to waste. Teach your children to use every part of the pumpkin. Roast the seeds for a healthy snack, use the flesh for baking, and compost the rest. This way, nothing goes to waste, and your Halloween celebration becomes a lesson in sustainability.

Tip: Have a pumpkin-painting day! Instead of carving, let your children paint their pumpkins. This creates less mess, and the pumpkins will last longer for cooking or composting later on.

5. Repurposing Halloween Crafts

Get your children involved in creating eco-friendly Halloween crafts from recyclable materials. Old paper towel rolls can become bats, cardboard can turn into spooky masks, and egg cartons can transform into spiders. Encourage them to think creatively about the materials around them.

Tip: After Halloween, instead of tossing the crafts store them away for next year.

This Halloween, make a commitment to celebrate sustainably with your children. Whether you’re crafting, cooking, or dressing up, there are countless ways to have fun while keeping the environment in mind.

Sources:

Creating an Eco-Friendly Halloween: Sustainable Ideas for Children to Do at Home