Kirk Preston Watson - Mayor of Austin, Texas | Twitter
Kirk Preston Watson - Mayor of Austin, Texas | Twitter
Halloween is approaching, and with it comes the excitement of costumes, decorations, and treats. However, the environmental impact of this holiday can be significant. To address this issue, several suggestions have been made to celebrate Halloween in a more sustainable way.
One approach is to create your own costume using items you already own. This not only reduces waste but also encourages creativity. For those who prefer purchasing costumes, choosing ones from sustainable fashion brands or made from recyclable materials is recommended. It has been noted that "people in the US throw away around 35 million Halloween costumes each year," with "83% of Halloween costumes made from non-recyclable plastics."
When it comes to decorations, repurposing materials for eco-friendly decor can help reduce plastic waste. Americans reportedly spend "around $2.36 billion on plastic decorations annually." Opting for reusable trick-or-treat bags instead of single-use plastic buckets is another way to cut down on waste.
Purchasing locally grown pumpkins supports local farmers and reduces carbon footprints associated with transportation. It's highlighted that "the US throws away over 1 billion pounds of pumpkins each year," contributing to methane emissions when decomposed in landfills.
For treats, selecting fair-trade or organic options and minimizing packaging waste are suggested practices. The staggering expenditure on candy reaches "around $2.6 billion," often wrapped in non-recyclable plastic.
Lastly, if hosting gatherings, using compostable tableware instead of single-use plastics can make celebrations more environmentally friendly.
By incorporating these tips into Halloween festivities, individuals can enjoy the holiday while being mindful of their environmental impact.
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