Eco Friendly Halloween....2026 Edition
Eco Friendly Halloween…
If you’re looking for an older post…here is last years :) on peak Halloween decor from 2024.
As someone who actually loves Halloween, (but thinks that Halloween decorations before October 1st is terrible), what are my top tips for an eco friendly Halloween without being a buzzkill?
Skip the Spider Webs
Okay, well inside fine. But outside, no. They kill the birds and critters) They are plastic. So just don’t.
Compostable Decor
Yes please, Pumpkins Check! We love a good pumpkin decoration, especially if it was locally grown. And please, don’t trash it after. Compost it, take it to a pumpkin chuckin’, deliver to your neighbors’ chickens, roll it down the hill for the geese…things DO NOT COMPOST in a landfill (instead it just produces more methane). Mums, also nice, but if you’re in New England consider a native New England Aster, cute, vibrant, just as pretty (dare I say prettier) and support our pollinators. Deadheading your Garden? Dead stuff makes for great spooky decor.
Non-Compostable Decor
Alright, I get it, you love Halloween. If you are going to purchase some non-compostable decor, consider this….
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Make a list of what you want before going rogue at Lowes.
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Check Marketplace/Buy Nothing Groups/Second hand first. Yes, my family does own more than a few Halloween Decorations. We use them EVERY YEAR. We store them.
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Ask yourself… Is this a trendy Halloween fad like some mirrored candy corn nonsense or the ‘pink Halloween glam’ or will I end up using this and being able to store it for the next 5-10 years?
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Skip the Target $1 bins. Seriously.
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Buy less, buy better. Get the good skeleton if you must.
Costumes
How much goes into the landfill each year? Ugh
DIY with things you already own, look for a second hand costume on EBay or wherever.
Check out a Costume Swap like 143 Exchange…. Buy pieces that you can use again and again (last year my kiddo’s Ewok costume was from Primary pieces that he could still wear the other 364 days of the year. Be creative.
Candy Basket
Your kid does not need a new candy pail every year. Ye olde Pillow Case is also a 10/10
Treats
Alright the whole neighborhood and then some comes to your house…
If you can swing it, go for some palm oil free candy,.... Look for plastic free wrappers or boxes candy (dots? anyone?) Consider recycling your own wrappers with a service like Ridwell.
Non Sweet treats? Everyone loves a clementine…..(insert audible groans and eye rolls from my kids, but definitely a few happy parents.
Don’t come for me…but I am still a firm believer in one event (ish) per holiday.
Kids don’t need to attend 10 Halloween parties, not do I want to attend 10 Halloween parties.
Leftovers?
Instead of ditching your kids extras, consider donating candy, often times your colleague without small kids, the dentist or the local Girl Scouts Troop is sending out to Troops oversees*
*tbh I thought this was weird for a long time (sending our leftovers and rejects off….looking at you almond joy….), but my friends who have received Halloween leftovers overseas confirm this is indeed a nice treat.