News Flash

The City of Arcata wants to remind everyone to celebrate sustainably this spooky season by reducing single-use waste.

Halloween is haunting the planet in ways that can be easy to not consider. A massive amount of waste is produced from trick-or-treating trash, disposable decorations, single-use costumes and rotting pumpkins. Planning for and properly disposing of that ghastly garbage is an essential part of keeping Halloween as green as possible.

Americans buy the equivalent of 6 Titanic ships (almost 600 million pounds) of candy each year. Billions of these tiny treats encased in non-recyclable wrappers quickly become a gigantic garbage problem. The plastic and single-use decorations, costumes and party supplies add to the waste generated. Pumpkin guts and rotting jack-o-lanterns become green waste, most of which will end up in landfills, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Fortunately, there are low-waste alternatives and options for every classic Halloween activity.

Here are ways to have a sustainably spooky Halloween!

• Terrifying Trick-or-Treating Trash  
  1. Choose candy with recyclable or compostable packaging.
  2. Any candy wrappers that are not recyclable/compostable can be used to make an Ecobrick. Find out more about the Ecobrick Movement at ecobricks.org/en/welcome.php.
  3. Offer non-candy treats like:
     • Clementines/oranges with pumpkin faces drawn on
     • Wildflower seed packets (native, non-invasive plants only)
     • School supplies like bookmarks, crayons and pencil sharpeners
     • Trading cards and stickers (beware of wasteful packaging)
• Dodge Disposable Decorations
  1. Buy second-hand, durable decorations from thrift stores. Donate any unwanted decorations after the holiday.
  2. DIY, make decorations out of recyclable and compostable materials
     • Real pumpkins, gourds, and corn stocks instead of plastic ones
     • Use natural twine to create a spider web between porch posts or trees
• Frighteningly Eco-Friendly Festivities
  1. Make treats for a party instead of bringing store-bought candy.
  2. Any plastics from decorations or candy can be used to make an Ecobrick.
  3. Offer reusable utensils, cups, plates and other party supplies.
• Escape Single-Use Costumes 
  1. DIY, make a costume using things found around the house.
  2. Swap costumes with friends or neighbors. Check thrift stores to buy second-hand and donate old costumes that won’t be reused.
  3. Pair your eco-conscious costume with an eco-conscious bag when trick-or-treating. Use a pillowcase, bag or container found around the house instead of buying something new.
• Purge those Pumpkins
  1. Get a real pumpkin from a local pumpkin patch or grocery store instead of fake plastic ones. The green waste they produce can be composted.
  2. Compost any rotten gourds and leftovers that won’t get used. Remove any painted areas before putting them in the compost. Compost at home or check out local composting groups!
  3. Eat the pumpkin! Recipes like pies, soup, and roasted seeds use all parts of the pumpkin.

To learn more about general Waste Prevention Resources visit cityofarcata.org/790/Waste-Prevention-Resources or call (707) 822-8184.