Happy Halloween, Green Beans! Did spooky season sneak up on you this year? It did on us! This holiday isn’t just spooky because of the costumes; it also generates a scary amount of waste. Did you know that thirty-five million Halloween costumes are thrown away in the U.S. every year, contributing to environmental pollution and landfill overflow? Let’s make a difference this year!

Let’s not rush to Amazon or the specialty Halloween store that has popped up near you for a last-minute costume. Let’s do this in a way that is easier on the planet. Here are a few steps to build a low-waste costume and participate in the day! Many of these costumes, 63% to be exact, can take up to 20-200 years to decompose since many are made of plastic.

Where should you start?

First, what do you already own? Is there something that you can pull from your closet that can be the base of your costume? Or you have the perfect item that fits your character for the night.

Do you still need items? I’m trying to reach out to a friend; maybe they have something you can borrow as an item or accessory for the night! You can also check out a local thrift store.

Use your creativity! Instead of buying a new costume, can you use your artistic skills to paint something on your face? Or do you have a creative friend who can do that for you? Let’s unleash our imagination and make this Halloween a celebration of creativity and sustainability!

If you are handing out snacks or expecting trick-or-treaters, reach for easier-to-recycle packaged snacks and treats. Try soda cans or treats without plastic packaging (paper, foil).

Are you traveling to a party? Take transit or a shared ride with friends!

Did you make your costume this year? Or pull it together from items you own or thrifted? We would love to see them! Share your pictures with @housethirty and inspire others to join the low-waste Halloween movement. Your efforts are appreciated and make a difference!

Happy Halloween!