Fall is officially here and Halloween is just around the corner. With cute décor in every store it can be tempting to fall for the cheap prices and poorly made, plastic pieces. But there's a better way! Sustainable and eco-friendly décor and Halloween costumes are possible.
I've pulled together some of my favorite sustainable decorating ideas along with eco-friendly Halloween candy and costume ideas.
Décor
Choose pumpkins
Many of us make a trip to the pumpkin patch this time of year to adorn our porches and mantles. Did you know that this is already an eco-friendly way to decorate for the season? Save the seeds to roast, use the flesh for the perfect fall pumpkin recipe or compost them.
Spider Webs
Store bough spider webs are made from plastic and other materials that do not easily break down. Instead, opt to DIY your own spider webs with yarn! Choose high quality organic cotton yarn with natural dyes that will allow you to use these year after year and compost them when they’ve reached the end of their life. Find more details and directions here:
https://www.theartofdoingstuff.com/halloween-decorationswall-spiderweb/
https://www.theartofdoingstuff.com/halloween-decorationswall-spiderweb/
Using sheets
Do you have old sheets laying around? Then you have easy Halloween decor! Cut out a pair of eyes and drape over a table for your party or cut them into various shapes to drape across your mantle for a spooky fireplace. You can even arrange them on your front door to give your trick-or-treaters an eerie experience.
Mason Jar lid pumpkin
If you are someone who cans or crafts often, you probably have a lot of lids laying around. Tie about 20 lids together in a circle and insert a few cinnamon sticks in the center for a rustic pumpkin look. If you have some non toxic paint you can add color to these for even more Halloween fun.
Other compostable decoration ideas
Pine cones – arrange in a vase for a fall center piece or lay across your Halloween mantle for a forest feel
Hay bails – not only great for seating your guests during an outdoor Halloween party but great for front lawn or porch décor
Dried plants or leaves – make arrangements of your favorite fall flowers, leaves and twigs for a rustic addition to any décor style.
Costumes
Hay bails – not only great for seating your guests during an outdoor Halloween party but great for front lawn or porch décor
Dried plants or leaves – make arrangements of your favorite fall flowers, leaves and twigs for a rustic addition to any décor style.
Costumes
DIY instead of buying
Thrift, crochet, or sew the various pieces needed for your costume.
Host a costume swap
Get together a group of friends to swap previously-worn costumes. Turn it into a swap party with a costume fashion show and snacks!
Candy
When it comes to candy we often choose the individually packaged convenience pieces you find in every store this time of year. This year choose candy made from plant based ingredients which tend to be more sustainable than those with animal-derived ingredients. Many grocery stores are now stocking organic lollipops and Faire Trade chocolates. Choose these options for a more sustainable tasty holiday.