As Halloween approaches, residents are being encouraged to celebrate sustainably by reducing waste, reusing decorations and costumes, and making the most of their pumpkins once the spooky celebrations are over.
Halloween can generate a surprising amount of waste, from discarded pumpkins to costumes that are worn just once. With a few simple changes, everyone can enjoy the festivities while helping to protect the environment.
Give costumes a second life
Halloween costumes do not have to be brand new to be frighteningly good! Swapping, borrowing or reusing outfits is a great way to save money and help reduce textile waste.
Residents are invited to come and visit the Halloween Costume Swap Shop at Grays Library on Wednesday (28 October) to look for pre-loved Halloween costumes instead of buying something new. By passing costumes on to someone else, families can help keep clothing in use for longer, reduce the demand for new items and make Halloween more affordable for everyone.
Turn leftover pumpkins into delicious dishes
Pumpkins that can be reused can be made into warming soups, tasty muffins, cakes, pies and even risottos. Roasted pumpkin also makes a great addition to salads, pasta dishes and curries.
Pumpkin seeds can also be washed, seasoned and roasted for a crunchy snack, helping to make the most of this versatile autumn vegetable.
Where pumpkins are no longer suitable for eating, residents should cut their pumpkins and place them in their food waste bins. Residents can also leave the pumpkins whole by the side of their food waste caddy and our Crew will collect them - please make sure you remove all candles and lights.
Cllr Russell Cherry, Cabinet Member for Veterans, Enforcement and Environment, said: “Halloween can be a lot of fun but can also generate a lot of unnecessary waste. By reusing costumes, making the most of your pumpkins and recycling food waste correctly, we can all make a difference this Halloween.
“Our Costume Swap Shop at Grays Library is a great opportunity for families to find something different for Halloween while giving pre-loved costumes a new lease of life. I’d encourage residents to think about how they can reuse, reduce and recycle this Halloween.”
More information on recycling in the borough can be found here: Waste and recycling | Thurrock Council