Sustainable spooks: Celebrating an eco-friendly Halloween
gniting the season of festivities, Halloween is here with the winter’s breeze. With a plethora of enjoyable activities such as exploring haunted houses, participating in costume competitions, trick or treating, listening to ghost stories, embarking on treasure hunts, and more; Halloween is undeniably a paradise for those who relish all things spooky and chilling!
The tradition of Halloween traces its roots back over 2,000 years to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. This day represented the close of summer and beginning of the winter, a time of the year which was often associated with death. The Celts believed that during Samhain, the boundary between the world of the living and the spirit realm grew thin, allowing spirits to roam the earth. To appease these spirits and protect themselves from malevolent forces, people would light enormous bonfires and make peace offerings to the Celtic deities. Dressing in unusual costumes or disguises served the dual purpose of warding off evil spirits and blending in with them. Moreover, the Celts also used to leave carved turnips, (which would be replaced by pumpkins in contemporary time), with scary faces on their doorsteps so as to frighten the evil spirits.
The Samhain’s traditions still resonate with modern Halloween customs, where dressing up, carving pumpkins, and trick-or-treating have taken center stage. From ancient rituals to a family-friendly festival, Halloween has now transcended borders and transformed to become a cherished, cross-cultural celebration. From classic horror flicks to modern thrillers, it is no wonder this holiday has become a global celebration. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), Halloween spending is slated to reach a record-breaking $12.2 billion in 2023. Moreover, a record-breaking 73% of the population is eager to partake in Halloween-related activities this year.
The soaring popularity of this holiday also leaves a haunting impact on the planet. Many people use disposable, single-use plastic decorations and costumes that add to the ever-growing concern of environmental predicament. According to a 2019 research, 83% of Halloween costumes are made from non-recyclable plastic, which then contribute to 2,000 tons of plastic waste. Moreover, the discarded pumpkins are also lethal to the environment as when they decompose, they produce methane gas which is 20 times more harmful than carbon dioxide.
The environmental influence of Halloween simply cannot be denied. In the wake of this challenge, sustainability is no more ‘nice to have,’ but a necessity. Here are some ways to maintain an environmentally mindful Halloween, whilst enjoying the festivities.
1. Costume
The first and foremost thought that comes while prepping for Halloween is obviously the costume. When aiming for an outfit for eco-friendly celebration, thrifting is one of the best options. Your collection of old t-shirts, skirts, caps, jackets, and essentially any apparel you own can also be used! There are no constraints or regulations here; all your elements, however unconventional, have the potential to craft a one-of-a-kind costume. And with platforms like Pinterest, Youtube, Tiktok & Instagram, you are just one search away from a treasure trove of excellent ideas!
For last minute prep, you can always connect with neighbors, friends or colleagues for a costume by mix-and-matching previous years’ outfits. These days costume rentals are also available, which is a much better option than buying a new costume every year which shall certainly end up in the landfill or a box you might never see again.
2. Reusable classics
Many Halloween decorations are made from a type of plastic that does not break down for up to 200 years! People often use these plastic decorations based on what’s trendy for the year and then abandon these items in favor of the next trend, perpetuating a relentless cycle of environmental harm.
When opting for an eco-friendly celebration, it is ideal to use decor crafted from natural materials like wood, clay, bamboo, and more. By selecting such timeless materials and coupling them with classic design, forms, and shapes, your festive decorations will transcend the fleeting trends, creating such an ambience that will remain enchanting, regardless of the ever-changing, short-term craze.
Here are some of Qalara’s picks that ensure your Halloween festivities exude a timeless, yet eerie allure.
Candles can certainly elevate the ambience of the living spaces. However, it is to be noted that usually fragrant candles contain paraffin wax, which is not exactly an eco-friendly option. Check out more of Qalara’s eco friendly candles here.
Lastly, Halloween would not be fully enjoyable without pranks and some old-school spooky fun.
3. Pumpkin carving
What is Halloween without a fair bit of pumpkin carving? This practice is centuries old and the sinister holiday sans pumpkins is no fun. However, every year 18,000 tonnes of pumpkin carvings end up in landfills! This dire situation can be easily averted as this vegetable holds untapped potential. Beyond its spooky facade, there lies a versatile vegetable, whose flesh and seeds both offer a multitude of applications.
a. Skincare: Pumpkin is known to be rich in potassium, iron and several types of vitamins. Therefore, its flesh can be used to craft DIY face masks, body scrubs or even soap.
b. Decorative: Pumpkin can easily be transformed into a long-lasting decorative piece. For example, after the Halloween celebration, just apply one coat of Mod Podge or a clear sealant, and leave it to dry. Then, fill its insides with birdseed, and simply hang it in your garden or on a tree. Moreover, it can also be used to make candles.
c. Foods & drinks: The internet offers countless recipes to transform pumpkin remnants into delicious cupcakes, soups, bread, and a variety of other delights. Even the seeds can find their place as salad toppers or flavorful ingredients in various other recipes.
d. Compost: Pumpkins, being an organic matter on their own, make excellent compost, ensuring that your plants receive all the needed nourishment.
e. Donation: You can also donate your leftover carvings to nearby zoos or farms as they can serve as a good meal to the animals or just be used as compost for the crops.
When shopping for a pumpkin, you will spot some labelled as ‘carving pumpkins’ but do not let this mislead you as these pumpkins are perfectly edible. According to a survey, almost 42% of the UK’s population was unaware that Halloween pumpkins are edible. They are certainly more watery but hey, that would make for a perfect stew for dinner!
4. Eco-friendly packaging
One of the most cherished Halloween traditions is trick-or-treating, a delightful custom that fosters social interactions and the sharing of festive joy among people. However, an estimate reveals that a staggering $2.6 billion is spent on Halloween treats annually, and regrettably, many of these candies have non-recyclable plastic wrappers, which hardly aligns with eco-friendly principles.
In the pursuit of a more environmentally responsible Halloween, one should be more mindful. One such method is to seek out candy brands that have embraced eco-friendly packaging.
Making treats at home can also be a memorable festive experience. Wrap them in paper and fasten them with a rubber band or a ribbon.
These days many people also opt for non-food treats such as dolls, stuffed animals, handmade toys, etc.
This thoughtful step will instill a sense of environmental responsibility in the next generation, ensuring that the spirit of Halloween is both eco-friendly and enduring.
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Halloween is a celebration that has existed since centuries and will continue to live on for generations to come. However, it is important to remember that our celebrations should not come at the cost of our planet’s precious life.
Check out more of Qalara’s Halloween themed products here.
Take a look at our another Halloween blog, where we discussed selecting the perfect decorations according to your home decor style.
~ Written by Yashvi
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