Halloween is creeping up fast, but that doesn’t mean we need to create mountains of waste! At Harriet’s of Hove, we’re all about making celebrations more sustainable, and Halloween is the perfect time to get creative without harming the planet. From costumes to decorations and treats, here are five fun and eco-friendly ways to enjoy a spooktacular, waste-free Halloween this year!
1. Zero-Waste Halloween Costumes: Get Creative at Charity Shops & Jumble Sales
One of the biggest waste culprits every Halloween is fast-fashion costumes. But this year, let’s get crafty and think outside the (plastic) box!
Charity Shops & Jumble Sales are treasure troves for unique costume pieces. Look out for items like old black lace, which can be transformed into a cute witch or a Day of the Dead bride. All you need is a face-paint kit and you’ve got a sustainable, stylish outfit with minimal waste.
For the men in your life, how about a spooky Beetlejuice costume? With the new film coming out this year, it’s on-trend, and an old suit with some face paint can do the trick. Got an old wedding dress lying around? Dust it off (literally, with talcum powder) and you’ve got yourself a corpse bride!
For the kids, keep it simple! Cats, mice, and rabbits are easy and adorable costumes you can DIY with leggings, a homemade tail (stuff some old tights or create a pompom), and cardboard ears attached to a headband. Use eyeliner to draw a cute nose and whiskers, and you’ve got a fun activity in costume-making that the little ones will love!
Get the family involved in making the costumes! Use household items or things you already own to create something truly one-of-a-kind.
2. Eco-Friendly Decorations: Pumpkins, Squashes & Natural Materials
Store-bought plastic decorations are spooky for all the wrong reasons—they end up in landfills after just one night of use. Instead, why not decorate your home with natural and reusable materials?
🎃 Pumpkins & Squashes: These classic autumnal veggies look beautiful when displayed, and once Halloween is over, you can turn them into delicious soups, stews, or roasted sides—nothing wasted! Plus, pumpkin seeds can be roasted for a tasty snack.
🌾 Autumn Leaves & Twigs: Head out for a nature walk and collect fallen leaves, twigs, and pinecones. These can be used to create rustic garlands or table centrepieces. They’re all-natural, compostable, and free!
🕯️ Old Jars for Lanterns: Got some empty glass jars lying around? Transform them into spooky lanterns with a bit of paint and a candle inside. You can reuse them year after year!
🎨 DIY Bunting: Use old fabric scraps, paper, or even fallen leaves to make some bunting for your Halloween party. This is another fun activity that kids can get involved in.
3. Trick-or-Treating: Sustainable Treat Options
Halloween is traditionally filled with plastic-wrapped sweets that generate heaps of waste, but there are plenty of sustainable alternatives that are just as fun (and delicious) for trick-or-treaters.
🍬 Homemade Treats: If you’ve got the time, baking homemade goodies like cookies or chocolate-dipped apples is a great alternative. You can package them in paper bags or small, compostable wrappers for trick-or-treaters.
🍫 Plastic-Free Sweets: Look for plastic-free or compostable packaged sweets in your local zero-waste shop (like Harriet’s!). You can find options that are just as tasty without the extra waste.
🍎 Healthy Treats: Who said treats have to be bad for you? Offering apples, nuts, or even small pouches of dried fruit is a fun way to provide healthier options that kids will love. Bonus points if you buy them package-free!
🌾 DIY Treat Bags: If you want to avoid single-use plastic entirely, consider creating DIY treat bags with small paper bags or fabric pouches that trick-or-treaters can take home. This adds a personal touch and reduces waste at the same time.
4. Repurposing Old Clothes & Accessories for Costumes
Before heading out to buy a costume, check your wardrobe for items you can repurpose. Old t-shirts, scarves, or even bed sheets can be turned into ghost costumes, capes, or mummy wraps with a bit of creativity. Raid your wardrobe or sewing kit for accessories like belts, gloves, and jewellery that can add a dramatic flair to your costume without buying anything new.
If you have items you no longer need but can’t figure out how to reuse, consider donating them to a local charity shop for someone else to craft their costume.
5. Plan a Zero-Waste Halloween Party 👻
If you’re hosting a Halloween bash, plan it with zero waste in mind. Opt for reusable tableware instead of disposables, and encourage your guests to wear homemade or second-hand costumes. Create a fun atmosphere with candlelight and natural decorations, and if there are leftovers, send them home with guests in their own containers (no single-use plastic allowed!).
Wrap-Up: Let’s Make This Halloween a Little Greener
Halloween doesn’t have to be a waste-filled holiday. With a bit of creativity and planning, you can reduce your impact on the planet while still enjoying the spooky season. Whether it’s through DIY costumes, natural decorations, or sustainable treats, there are plenty of ways to make Halloween fun and eco-friendly.
At Harriet’s of Hove, we’re here to help you celebrate sustainably with plastic-free and zero-waste options. Pop into the shop to grab your eco-friendly Halloween essentials and refill your pantry for the season ahead!
Happy (Green) Halloween! 🎃💚