How to have a plastic-free Halloween
2 minute read
Halloween is a time when many of us like to dress up and go trick or treating. This can result in a vast amount of plastic being produced – but it doesn't have to. Here are some simple tips for a plastic-free Halloween that's just as fun.
Although Halloween's a time of year when many of us aim to be scary, with devil forks, vampire capes, cat ears, facemasks, fake cobwebs and even polystyrene pumpkins a common feature. But as well as spooking our friends and neighbours, this can have a scary impact on our environment.
Many Halloween accessories are made of plastic, and our treats often come packaged in it too - party food, sweet wrappers and drinks containers are all made of single-use plastic. This contributes a large amount of plastic waste to our environment, which often makes it way to our waterways and blue spaces.
Credit: Carl Raw
However, with a bit of thought and creativity, you can have a fun spooky evening without adding to the ever-growing problem of plastic pollution. Here are our top plastic-free Halloween tips:
Make your own treats
There are recipes online for all sorts of treats from fudge to cookies to toffee apples. A bit of careful shopping will keep the plastic wrapping to a minimum.
You can also buy pick 'n mix style sweets and dispense them into paper bags for trick or treaters.
Use wet wipe alternatives
When it comes to taking off your makeup or face paint, a simple bar of soap, solid cleanser or plastic-free scrub will do – no need for wet wipes.
You can buy reusable fabric makeup removers, too. Simply wet the cloth under a tap, wipe your face and hey presto! To clean, just rinse under the tap with some soap.
Create your own custom costumes
Halloween costumes are often made of plastics such as polyester and only used once. Instead, make your own costume from cardboard or re-purpose old cotton bed sheets or curtains. Afterwards, the cardboard can be recycled and the cloth can either be kept for next year or recycled too.
If you already have a costume or mask, use it year after year or pass it on to someone else. Why not arrange a 'costume swap' with friends and family?
If you intend to donate your costume, make sure to keep all the packaging as charity shops often can’t resell costumes with no fire safety information.
Credit: Olga Simonova
Avoid using disposable plates and plastic straws
Use reusable plates, cutlery and glassware for your parties. Old jam jars can also make for an interesting, ocean-friendly alternative to glasses. You can decorate them with a marker pen to get the look, too.
Consider using eco-friendly cleaning products
After your Halloween party ends, try cleaning up using natural products that don't use plastic packaging or added chemicals. For dishes, simply use a dish soap bar and wooden dish brush or sponge.
For any spills, use cloths or sponge wipes (often called reusable kitchen roll).
Recycle as much as possible after your party
Check your local council website for details of what you can recycle on your doorstep and what you can take to local collection bins.
Do you have more tips for a plastic-free Halloween? Visit our Facebook group to get and share ideas.
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