EnviroMatters Magazine Spr-Sum 2024-25

Environment Matters | 15

HOW TO DO Halloween the sustainable way

SPOOK-TASTIC HALLOWEEN CELEBRATIONS ARE BECOMING MORE POPULAR.

Unfortunately much of what we buy ends up in landfill (such as cheap decorations or single-use plastic) or can hurt wildlife (such as sticky fake cobwebs). Here’s some ideas to enjoy this annual treat without it being a nasty trick on our environment.

SCRAP THE HORROR OF PLASTIC PACKAGING If you’re hosting a family or neighbourhood trick’or’treat Old-fashioned gumball dispensers could

SLASH THE WASTE OF PUMPKIN CARVING Pumpkins are the epitome of Halloween decorations, but instead of carving them and throwing them out, why not draw on the scary faces? That way you can have a post-Halloween feast!

also be a good way to give out lollies while also keeping them safe from sneaky spirits!

then why not try packaging-free treats.

SMASH THE SCARY COST OF STORE- BOUGHT DECORATIONS

There are lots of great ideas online if you’re feeling crafty. Making your own decorations out of second-hand, sustainable or recycled objects.

Scarecrows made of straw, found objects and old clothes are both a fun decoration and a fabulous project for a sustainable Halloween.

GHOSTLY MILK BOTTLE LANTERNS

Here’s a fantastic and easy alternative to carving a pumpkin You will need: ¼ Empty, clean milk bottles (various sizes work great!) ¼ Black permanent marker ¼ Battery string lights or LED tea lights Use the marker to draw spooky ghost faces on the front of the milk bottles. Place the lights inside the milk bottles. If they won’t fit through the top, an adult can help you to cut a hole in the bottom or side. Watch these ghostly faces cast an eerie glow! When Halloween is finished remove the lights and put the milk bottles in the recycling bin.