How to have a sustainable Halloween

Re-use and recycle costumes 

Halloween is a great time to get creative, whether you're dressing up in something spooky or going all out with a fancy costume. But did you know that Halloween costumes can create tonnes of plastic waste?

You can still be spooky and sustainable by reusing costumes from previous years or making your own using materials you already have at home - like old clothes, cardboard, or fabric scraps. Swapping costumes with friends is another fun and eco-friendly option.

If you decide to buy a costume, try shopping second-hand or choose quality items you’ll wear again.

Make your own eco-friendly decorations 

Most Halloween decorations are made of plastic and designed to be used once. Instead, try making your own using natural items like pumpkins, leaves, branches, or paper and cardboard. 

If you do buy decorations, choose good quality ones that you can use year after year. Avoid single-use plastic and skip glitter, which contains microplastics.

Make trick-or-treating and guising greener 

If you're taking children out guising or giving away sweets, look for treats with minimal packaging or wrapped in paper or foil that can be recycled, or ethical sourcing such as Fair Trade.

Use cloth tote bags or pillowcases instead of plastic buckets, and stick to local routes to avoid using the car.

Conscious party planning 

Planning a Halloween party? Use real dishes, cloth napkins, and avoid disposable items such as plastic cups.

Cook just enough food and use leftovers the next day. You can also donate unopened extras through apps like Olio or to your local foodbank.

For fun, try pumpkin or turnip carving, nature scavenger hunts, or DIY crafts using recycled materials. You can also play apple dookin’ - an ancient Celtic game where players try to grab an apple floating in a basin of water without their hands. Tactics include spearing apples with a fork held between the teeth or simply biting into them! All you need are apples and a bucket or basin. It’s simple, eco-friendly, and lots of fun.

Reduce pumpkin waste

Don’t let your pumpkin – or turnip! - go to waste after Halloween. Roast the pumpkin seeds for a tasty snack, or use the flesh to make soups, pies, or muffins. If you’re using turnip, use the flesh to make ‘champit neeps’ (mashed turnip); it’s delicious with salt, pepper and butter.

If you’re not cooking with it, compost it instead of throwing it away. Some local farms or community gardens may accept pumpkin or turnip donations for animal feed or composting. It’s a simple way to reduce waste and give your pumpkin or turnip a second life.

We’re here to help 

Halloween is a great time to have fun, get creative, and connect with your community - and it’s also a chance to make more sustainable choices. By rethinking costumes, decorations, treats and waste, you can enjoy the festivities while reducing your impact on the environment.

For more advice on how to reduce waste, save energy, and cut costs at home, contact our friendly advisors at Home Energy Scotland on 0808 808 2282. You can also reach us by email or WhatsApp, we’re happy to support you in making small changes that make a big difference.