How to Have a Plastic-free Halloween Party
With Halloween approaching in a week’s time, thoughts are likely turning to parties, costumes and decorations galore! The local Chinese bazaars are brimming with endless packs of plastic, many of which will be for one-time use only. Here are some ideas on how to go plastic-free this year, and a reminder to ask yourself where you can reduce the waste and attempt a zero waste Halloween party to impress:
1. COSTUMES
Instead of buying new nylon or polyester costumes which invariably come in plastic packs, why not check out your local charity shop and see if you can pick up some interesting clothes or fabric from which you can fashion a homemade costume. There are tonnes of ideas you can find online for homemade costumes that won’t require great sewing skills or expensive items, but will ensure you create far less plastic waste and will be one step toward a Green Halloween. We like these ideas from Livegreen’s Recyclebank
2. SWEETS AND FOOD
It’s very tempting to buy packs of sweets for your party goers and we all know kids just can’t resist. But could you rustle up some simple homemade delights? A quick google search will find you hundred of recipes for no-bake sweet treats so you don’t even need to slave in the kitchen for hours. Jazz up your treats with some natural food colouring to give the full Halloween effect. Try these fabulous no-bake sweet treat ideas and you’ll have a clear conscience when it comes to your low waste Halloween party.
If your guests are bringing food, ask them to bring it in their own containers which can be washed and used again. Then if by chance there are any leftovers, they can be taken away again with zero waste.
3. TABLEWARE
If you’re throwing a party and really need to use disposable tableware like plates and cups, be sure to remember to buy biodegradable ones. Many shops offer a range of paper alternatives for plates and cups, but you can also offer wooden cutlery and paper straws. We can help with all these products, just check out our events and catering page and get in touch for any quotes you need for event packs. Our black paper straws would add a spooky touch to any eco Halloween party
4. DECORATIONS
Another big temptation is to run to the shops and grab the latest decorations, but the same principle applies. Have a look online for some simple ideas to create spooky interiors with glass lanterns, cut out pumpkins or jack ‘o lanterns, old branches, autumn leaves. Here are some more sustainable Halloween decoration ideas for your home
Don’t forget that once you have carved out your pumpkin, you can leave it in the garden (or campo) for the animals and insects to eat which will aid decomposing and will feed many creatures. If you have a compost or wormery set up at home, even better!
5. RECYCLING
If you do end up with plastic being used at your party or a lot of waste being generated, make it clear to your guests that you recycle by offering different bins. You can easily collect paper waste in a cardboard box which can then be transporteed to the blue bins. In our local area, the yellow recycling bins take many types of plastic so offer a bin for plastic waste then at least if you can recycle it, there will be less waste going into landfill. Glass is an obvious one and should your fabulous friends bring you bottles of fizz, they too can be easily recycled, adding to the eco-status of your party.
These are just five simple tips to get you thinking about how you can reduce your waste, use less plastic and have a Halloween party to make even the greenest eco warriors proud. Tell us how you get on or share any more ideas in the comments below.
