Published October 1, 2025
BY TULLAH McCOLL
Although the Carmel air doesn’t get much colder, October brings the excitement of autumn and only a month to prepare for Halloween. A unique time of year that many people look forward to, the spooky season can still be enjoyed without using materials that harm our environment.
When you find yourself heading to Target to buy a new plastic leaf garland and skeleton to put on your porch, consider reusing what you already have stashed in your garage. When you want some entirely fresh decor, you could use natural materials like ornamental corn, gourds or leaves.
If you are still looking for some sustainable decoration inspiration, try using your creativity to craft up something new! Make banners with paper cutouts from used magazines or newspapers, paint canning jars for candle holders, or use egg cartons or the cardboard center of a toilet paper roll to make eerie creatures. The options are endless!
As jack-o’-lanterns are an essential part of the Halloween experience, don’t forget to compost once your creation is ready for the grave. Instead of tossing your masterpiece into your trash can, check to see if your disposal service accepts food scraps in your green bin for curbside pickup. Saying goodbye to your orange friend won’t be as sad when you know its valuable nutrients will be recycled back into the Earth.
Now that your home feels festive, it’s time to dress up. While it may be easy to buy a princess outfit from Amazon or a zombie get-up from Spirit Halloween, cheap costumes often use materials like polyester that deplete natural resources in their production process and actively shed microplastics as you wear them.
Instead of wasting money on a costume you will only wear once, try using items hanging in your closet, borrowing from a friend or buying secondhand. Many movie characters and classic Halloween icons can be recreated with clothes you already have.
I understand the appeal for an easy, recognizable costume, which sometimes requires purchasing some things–most people don’t have vampire teeth and a witch’s hat at their disposal. If you find yourself feeling this way, consider swapping out even just one item for a sustainable option.
Now that you’re ready for the big night, if trick-or-treating is calling your name, how will you carry your candy? Ditch the plastic pumpkin-shaped bucket and use an old pillowcase, paper grocery bag or a reusable tote bag. It’s environmentally friendly and has considerably more space for candy. You won’t regret the switch.
Although it may seem like a given to some, don’t leave candy wrappers lying around and pick up trash if you see it.
These tips won’t take away from the fun of Halloween. They’ll only make the night more enjoyable for you and Mother Nature.
