Written by Peya Mynoddin, Marketing and Communications Manager, pointA
As Halloween nears, it is truly frightening to think about all the discarded food, costumes, and decorations that come November 1st. A study found that only 20% of consumers consider sustainability in their Halloween purchases. Don’t let that be you! Simple actions, such as switching from incandescent bulbs to LED lights or thrifting costumes instead of buying new can go a long way in keeping waste out of our growing landfills.
Adopting just one habit from this list means you’re well on your way to having a more sustainable and economical Halloween.
- Start the celebrations early
You can start Halloween celebrations early by visiting fall attractions around the GTHA via transit and cycling. If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, check out Dundas Peak, located in Hamilton. This park offers stunning views of fall colors, and there are several trails ranging from easy to challenging – making it a great spot for both beginner and advanced hikers. You can reach Dundas Peak by taking the HSR bus to King St at Dundas.
For a fall adventure with fresh produce and yummy drinks, head to Luna Farms at 661 8th Rd E, Stoney Creek. The farm has over 25 varieties of apples and a selection of other seasonal fruits ready to be picked. Take the HSR bus to Glover and High 8, and then bike for 15 minutes to get to Luna Farms.
To extend the fun to nighttime, you can visit the Halloween Haunt at Canada’s Wonderland in Vaughan. The park transforms with a spooky twist! There are live actors, haunted mazes, live performances and much more. Get to the park by taking the YRT bus to the Major Mackenzie West Terminal.
For the full list of fall fun, check out our Instagram series – Hikes and Trails in the GTHA, Spooky Activities, and Fall Harvests. Also be sure to check out our blog post Fall Hikes in Canada – A Guide to Spending Time Outdoors this Autumn for additional seasonal fun.
- Consider a multi-modal commute
If you’re the host, consider providing guests with instructions on how to get to the party using sustainable modes of transportation such as public transit or cycling. You may also consider setting up carpooling systems on the night of the party, so guests can be picked up and dropped off at major transit stations, such as Union Station. Transit is a great opportunity to see fun costumes on the way to your destination. Don’t forget, many transit systems such as the TTC offer late night services, known as the Blue Night Network. This is perfect after a late night as you don’t have to worry about driving.
Alternatively, you may consider a ride-share app. Many ride-share apps allow you to add multiple stops for different guests, making it an easy way to carpool. You can also sign up for the Smart Commute Tool, which allows you to find carpoolers heading to or from your location.
- DIY, don’t BUY
Did you know that 85% of Halloween costumes end up in a landfill? Instead of purchasing brand new costumes that you will only wear once, consider borrowing, thrifting or DIYing your costume. You likely have several items in your closet that can easily be used to make a fun and creative costume! If you’re stuck, try leaning into puns, for example, wear a formal outfit and a sash with the word ‘apology’ to be a ‘Formal Apology’. The options are endless!
If DIYing isn’t your jam, there are many affordable costume rental shops in the city. The best part is you won’t have to worry about storing your costume the next day. You may consider picking a costume that can easily be incorporated into your everyday outfit after Halloween.
- Thrift your decorations
Instead of purchasing new decor which inevitably gets thrown out after the holiday, shop in your own home. Check out your existing decor and see how you can add a twist to make it fall or Halloween themed. For example, adding a homemade cloth garland of leaves or skulls can easily jazz up your space. This option is not only affordable, but it prevents seasonal decor ending up in the landfill and contributing to carbon emissions.
If you’re not feeling nifty, get thrifty! Head to the thrift store to find unique items that will give your home character. You can also head to antique or vintage stores in your area as these are typically curated for home decor.
- Use smart lighting
Before purchasing new lighting, do a quick audit of all the electrical appliances at your home to make sure they’re energy efficient. Energy efficient lighting means lower utility bills, and reduced consumption. While purchasing lighting for your Halloween decorations, make sure to opt for LED over incandescent lights. LED are more energy efficient, and they often come in multiple colors to make your decorations stand out. For outdoor lighting, consider solar powered lights so it is not contributing to your utility bill. You can also consider timers for all your lights, that way you don’t have to worry about turning your decor on and off, that way your lights are only on when people are around to enjoy them!
- Give out creative treats
Before purchasing your chocolate check the labelling to make sure it is fairly traded and [made from] sustainably sourced cacao beans. You can buy your candy in bulk to reduce waste. Individual wrapped candy is not only more expensive, but also not eco-friendly as the wrapping often cannot be recycled. You may also consider handing out non-food items to trick or treaters, such as small toys (cars, slinky, slime), temporary tattoos, stationery, and more.
- Use the whole pumpkin
Every year, after Halloween passes, a whopping 1 billion pounds (453 million kilograms) of pumpkins are sent to landfill where they break down and emit methane gas. Don’t contribute to this waste! But that doesn’t mean you have to give up on beloved traditions. After you’re done carving your pumpkin, make sure to compost it correctly, such as scrapping off any wax, paint or other decor.
Pumpkins are a very nifty vegetable, where everything from the skin to the seeds is useable. Starting with the pumpkin itself, you can use it to cook delicious fall recipes, such as roasted pumpkin seeds, or baked chips made from the skin of the pumpkin.
- Start a community swap
Use Halloween as an opportunity to connect with your neighbors to swap decorations and costumes. You can do this by hosting a Halloween themed yard sale a few weeks before the big day. You can also connect with your local community centers or libraries as they may be hosting similar events where you can take part.
- Sustainable trick or treating
Make your trick or treating adventures more sustainable. Ditch the car and walk door to door for trick or treating. This is a great chance for your kids to interact with other children in the neighborhood and see fun costumes. If you’re visiting another neighborhood, carpool with parents in the area. Consider buying a well-made treat bag made from sustainable materials that your kids can use year after year.
- Plan ahead for next Halloween
Make sure you label and organize all your decorations and lighting, so it is easy to reuse it all next year. Consider taking a photo of each piece and creating a folder on your phone or computer so you know exactly what you have. This stops you from buying the same decor year after year, saving you both time and money. Not only that, but your future self will thank you when you don’t have to dig around the garage for decorations.
As you can see, with a few small changes you can make sure your Halloween celebrations are eco-friendly, affordable, and entertaining. This year, take the pledge to make your Halloween celebrations more environmentally friendly. Happy Halloween!
