Halloween is a much loved time, promising fun, costumes and trick or treats. It has also become a major commercial event. Consumer spending this year on the Halloween in the UK, is predicted to be over £775 million. But did you know all this spending is creating a huge amount of plastic waste. Every year, thousands of tonnes of plastic waste are generated from millions of plastic-laden costumes, single-use decorations, and sweet wrappers.
It is estimated that half a kilo of waste is generated per trick-or-treater. The scariest part? Most of these plastics never disappear—they break down into harmful microplastics, making their way into the food chain and even ending up on our plates. Halloween may be over in one night, but the plastic waste it leaves behind sticks around for centuries.
The Worst Offenders
Costumes are among the top contributors of unnecessary waste. The average Halloween costume is worn for fewer than 8 hours, yet 83% of them are disposed of after a single wear. Fast fashion drives people to buy cheaply made, single-use costumes, the majority of which are constructed from synthetic fibres like polyester and nylon, which are non-biodegradable.
Halloween decorations like plastic pumpkins, skeletons, and fake spider webs sold as inexpensive, throwaway items, are another major source of this festive plastic waste. Yes, even those spooky gossamer cobwebs draped on railings and shrubbery are usually made from dense artificial fibers. But perhaps the most overlooked culprit of Halloween plastic waste may be sweets.
In the UK, millions of pounds worth of sweets are handed out each Halloween. These treats are often wrapped in non-recyclable plastic packaging. These tiny wrappers may seem insignificant, but they collectively account for a massive amount of waste.
Reduce Halloween’s plastic footprint
While the environmental impact of Halloween may seem overwhelming, individual choices can make a significant difference in reducing the plastic waste without reducing the fun.
If you are dressing up try to make sustainable costume choices. You could try to wear one from a previous year. Or make one yourself from items you already have. Buying a costume from a second hand shop is also a great choice. It reduces the demand for new, plastic based costumes. When you have finished with yours this Halloween, donate it or swap with a friend for next year’s festivities.
Instead of buying plastic decorations, consider making your own using natural or recycled materials. Carved pumpkins, fabric banners, and paper lanterns can create a spooky atmosphere free of plastic. Biodegradable and reusable decorations are both better for the environment and often more durable, so they can be used year after year.
To cut down on waste without compromising your sweet tooth, try buying in bulk to reduce packaging or choosing treats that come in recyclable cardboard or paper packaging.
If November hits and you do end up with plastic waste, ensure it is disposed of properly. Recycling correctly and ensuring that non-recyclable plastic is not littered can help prevent it from reaching the ocean. Community clean-up events after Halloween can also help to remove any plastic waste from local areas before it makes its way to the sea.
Wishing you a happy, spooky, plastic-free Halloween!