Halloween is right around the corner and the means only one thing..... lots of trash. Didn't see that coming, did you?
Halloween is one of the most shopped for holidays. A lot of decor and a lot of shoddily made costumes that are bought and discarded after one use.
In fact, Americans will spend $2.6 billion on costumes ALONE.
Here's a few ways you can have a more eco-friendly Halloween this year.
1. Invest in costumes meant to last:
I will have a whole post coming out specifically about costumes next week, but for now, I want to give one tip on investing in costumes meant to last!!
I myself have three really nice costumes.
- I have a Magicians outfit complete with a fully sequined tails and a top hat. I like it because I can also decide to be a lion tamer, ring master, a tap dancer, or Zantana. It's a really versatile costume.
- I have a very nice, heavy, fully beaded flappers outfit. I always recommend a flappers outfit because someone always throws a 20s party...
- I also have a red torch dress that can be worn out of the house as regular street wear. It's only apparently a 40s costume if it's styled with gloves, stockings with seams up the back, and victory rolls.
All of these costumes are made really well and will last for years to come! I think I look cute in them so I want to wear them year after year.
I really don't feel the need to buy anymore costumes. I might hobble together a costume from my closet if I really want to change things up, but there's no need for me to go out and spend $50 on a costume that's poorly made and looks terrible.
Besides, when you own a few go-to costumes you're destined to always be in the top for best costume!
And, you can focus on beautiful, quality investment pieces to make your costumes more special overtime.
I bought a gorgeous hand made headband for my flapper outfit, and I get excited about wearing it each year!
2. Go natural:
Opt for natural spooky decor! Instead of going out and buying a whole bunch of "spooky" plastic stuff for your home, try to opt for something a little more natural.
My friend over at Compost and Cava has not one, not two, but THREE eco-friendly Halloween decor posts.
You will be blown away by her creativity. And, the best part is... eco-friendly decor relies on things you already have in your own home and decoration from nature.
So, it's beautiful and most importantly - economical!!
3. Choose reusables:
If you're having a party, then ditch the disposables and #ChooseToReuse!! This means real plates, real cups, and yes... REAL CLOTH NAPKINS!!
When throwing parties, I really like to stick to finger foods. This way people can hover around the snack table and there's less dishes that you have to wash.
Check out this Zero Waste Halloween party to get a sneak peek at an extra spooky crudite! Carved carrot fingers? Cauliflower brains!?
4. Opt for foil wrapped candies:
Then the tricky part comes down to... what do you give Trick or Treaters?? Unfortunately, all snacks HAVE to be packaged.
And, once the kids leave your house... even if you choose your candies very carefully.. you can't control what they do with the packaging. One of the best options I've seen is opting for chocolates wrapped in foil.
But, here's a pretty extensive list on eco-friendly treats for trick or treaters.
