From Halloween to Hallow-green: 10 eco-friendly ideas for celebrating the spooky season

For costumes

3. Check what you already have in your closet: The majority of costumes are purchased new and only worn once before being discarded, and are typically made from non-recyclable, synthetic materials. Before buying new costumes, check your existing wardrobe for options. Upcycle old clothes with your sewing skills or add other accessories; let your creativity flow!

4. Donate your old costumes or get a costume second hand: This way, the costume pieces aren't just wasted in landfills, because textiles can take up to 200 years to decompose. Try a thrift store or local listings for second-hand items. Another option is to rent your costume or to exchange last year's costumes for a "new" outfit with family or friends by hosting a costume swap. Aside from reducing waste, it’s free! A win-win for everyone.

5. If you're buying a new costume, consider pieces that would fit more than one character: For example, a long black dress can be used to portray a witch, a vampire, Morticia Addams, or an evil fairytale villain. Just style it differently every year!

For trick-or-treating

6. Consider the packaging for your candy: “Confectionery wrappers are usually made of mixed materials and difficult to recycle. And, since they are generally small, they can be easy to lose and end up as litter,” explains Zara Lauder at TOMRA Collection. “Check your local guides for how to sort sweets and lolly wrappers in your region to make sure to dispose of them properly. Otherwise, choose candy that comes in more easily recyclable packaging, like cardboard.”

7. Put home-made treats in sustainable packaging: If you’ll be making your own Halloween treats to exchange with family and friends, help cut down waste by using reusable or recyclable wrapping. For example, you can bake your own Halloween cookies and place them in little paper boxes.

8. Make your own trick-or-treat bag: You can upcycle an old pillowcase or bag by decorating or painting it to suit the Halloween mood! The treats bag can be stored away after the occasion and used again next year.

For decorations

9. Upcycle DIY decorations from old textiles. Use old black socks to create spiders or bats, torn stockings to hang as cobwebs, or old white bedsheets as ghosts. If you don't have what you need on hand, again look at buying second hand or swapping decorations with friends and family. Decorations can be stored and used again in the coming years.

10. Create decorations from biodegradable materials. Create a jack-o'-lantern by carving a real pumpkin instead of buying a plastic one (then use the seeds to make soup and reduce food waste), draw on eggshells to turn them into mini skulls or use other natural materials like leaves and straw. After the party, these decorations can be used as compost.