10 Easy Ways to Make Your Halloween Sustainable

by The Green Jar™️

🎃Halloween is a time for creativity, and spooky fun—but it can also generate a lot of waste. Plastic decorations, disposable costumes, and candy wrappers often contribute to environmental pollution, leaving a lasting negative impact on our planet.

The good news? You can celebrate sustainably without sacrificing the spirit of the season.

Here are 10 easy ways to make your Halloween more eco-friendly this year:

1. DIY or Thrift Your Costume

Skip the fast fashion and get creative! Use items you already own, borrow from friends, or shop secondhand. Thrift stores like our favourites, Courage My Love and The Tailor's Son are treasure troves for costume inspiration.

2. Swap Costumes with Friends

Organize a costume swap with neighbors or classmates. It’s a great way to refresh your look without buying new—and it builds community too.

3. Make Natural Decorations

Use pumpkins, gourds, leaves, and branches to decorate your space. Compost them after Halloween or cook with them if they’re still fresh!

4. Avoid Single-Use Plastics

Choose reusable treat bags, cloth decorations, and metal or bamboo serving ware for parties. Say no to plastic spiderwebs—they’re harmful to wildlife and hard to recycle.

5. Choose Eco-Friendly Treats

Look for candy with minimal packaging or brands that use compostable wrappers. Better yet, support local bakeries or make homemade treats.

6. Use LED Lights

If you’re lighting up your porch or yard, opt for energy-efficient LED bulbs or solar-powered lights to reduce your energy use.

7. Compost Your Pumpkin

After Halloween, compost your jack-o’-lantern instead of tossing it in the trash. Just remove any wax or paint first.

8. Host a Low-Waste Party

Serve snacks in bulk, use reusable dishes, and decorate with items you can reuse year after year. Encourage guests to bring their own cups or containers or borrow from places like PlateShare.

9. Support Local Makers

Buy costumes, decorations, or treats from local artisans and small businesses. It reduces shipping emissions and supports your community.

10. Educate and Inspire

Share your sustainable Halloween tips on social media or with your neighbors. Small changes can spark big conversations—and inspire others to join in.

👻A sustainable Halloween doesn’t mean giving up the fun—it means celebrating with intention. With a few simple swaps, you can enjoy a spooky, stylish, and eco-conscious Halloween that’s good for the planet and great for your community.

Ready to haunt responsibly? Share this post and inspire a greener Halloween in your community!