Halloween generates a significant amount of waste every year, largely due to single-use costumes, decorations, and packaging. Many Halloween costumes are made from synthetic materials like polyester, which are not biodegradable. Often, these costumes are worn only once and then discarded. In the U.S. alone, it's estimated that 7,000 tons of costumes end up in landfills each year. Here are some ideas which will help make halloween greener this year. This year, host a halloween party in your club/school where you will challenge students to only use recycled materials for costumes, packaging and decorations.

Sustainable Halloween ideas:

1. Get Creative with Old Costumes

Reuse and Accessorize: Instead of buying a new costume, reuse a previous one and enhance it with different accessories or clothing items you already have.

Example: Gloves can be used for various outfits like a regency-inspired look or a magician.

Alterations: Modify existing costume parts, such as turning fairy wings into angel wings by adding feathers.

2. Embrace DIY Costume Projects

Movie Characters: Dress as your favorite movie character using clothes from your closet.

Personal Style: Create costumes that reflect your style for a more comfortable and unique outfit.

Sewing Projects: For those who sew, more intricate DIY projects can be fun and rewarding.

3. Opt for Eco-Friendly and Recycled Materials

Borrowing and Swapping: Borrow costumes from friends, neighbors, or participate in costume swaps.

Online Resources: Use Facebook Marketplace, Etsy, and buy-nothing groups for second-hand costumes.

Community Swaps: Start or join a Halloween costume swap in your community.

4. Find Affordable Green Costume Options Online

Organic Materials: Purchase costumes made from sustainable materials like organic cotton.

Search Keywords: Look for "organic costumes" on platforms like Etsy to find eco-friendly options.

Avoid Harmful Materials: Steer clear of costumes made from acrylic or rayon.

5. Innovate with Recycled Material Costumes

Recycled Material Costumes: Create costumes using recycled materials such as cardboard or paper.

Examples:

Paint cardboard to look like wood.

Cut large paper into squares to make a crumpled paper bag costume.

Add Flair: Personalize your recycled material costume to reflect your unique style.

By following these suggestions, you can have a fun and creative Halloween while minimizing your environmental impact. Plan an award/recognition for the member who comes up with the most exciting halloween costume with recycled items.