Spooky celebrations and fall harvest festivals don’t have to be wasteful!

Learn simple tricks and tips to prevent food waste, divert organic waste from the landfill, use plastic-free decor, and upcycled costumes.

Did You Know?

Every year, over 1 billion pounds of pumpkins are thrown away in the U.S. — over half of the total pumpkins produced. According to the USDA, over 66,000 acres in the U.S. were used to grow pumpkins in 2020. That’s about 50,000 football fields of land growing pumpkins. (USDA) If pumpkins are not disposed of properly, they’ll end up in the landfill to decompose and release methane gas — a greenhouse gas that plays a role in climate change. However, there are many ways to prevent this waste, read on to learn simple tricks and tips to make your fall fun climate friendly.

How To Prevent Pumpkin Waste:

Put uncarved pumpkins to use, boil, bake, or roast your pumpkin, and use it in baked goods, soups, and more.
Instead of disposing of the pumpkin’s seeds, roast and salt them for a healthy and delicious snack. Or keep them uncooked and plant them in the spring to grow your own pumpkin.
Carved pumpkins can be used to feed animals. Pigs, chickens, wild birds, and goats love to feast on leftover jack-o-lanterns.
Compost your jack-o’-lantern or pumpkin past its prime. These gourds decompose and create nutrient-rich soil in your home compost pile.
Put your pumpkin in your green organics bin for curbside pick up, please remember to remove any decorations before adding it to your bin.

Zero-Waste Halloween and Fall Harvest Celebration Tips:

Use paper, reusable, or vintage decorations - skip the disposable plastics, including glitter, drinking straws, and tableware. Consider renting reusable party supplies, learn more about our Green Convene program https://www.solanacenter.org/green-convene
Upcycle clothing from your closet or a thrift store into a unique costume.
Consider alternatives to traditional plastic-wrapped candy and treats, including cardboard, aluminum foil, and waxed paper.
Skip the confetti and mylar balloons; this kind of waste contributes to microplastics.
Sew your own costume using natural fiber textiles. Learn more about preventing textile waste: https://www.solanacenter.org/textiles