Asked and Answered: Hallogreen Edition II
The leaves have changed, ghoulish decorations are up, and jack-o-lanterns will soon line front porches. It’s also time for the return of your favorite eek-o-friendly advice column. We’ve once again asked members of our affiliate network to share their best ideas for sustainable costumes, decor, and post-holiday reuse methods. Keep on reading to get the latest on all things clean, green, and spooktacular.
Create Comfort for Local Critters
“I would like to remind kids and families that pumpkins are great for wildlife! Place them in your back yard once they are looking a bit "sad" and allow the animals to eat them. As colder temperatures approach, the food search is on for squirrels, chipmunks, birds, and even deer. Just make sure your pumpkins are not soaked in any solutions or painted, as this could pose a health hazard to them.”
- Hannah Bagley, Executive Director of Keep Rome Floyd Beautiful
Make Spookiness Sustainable
"Avoid fast fashion costumes and look through your closet instead. Dark jeans, boots, a collared shirt, and a vest—why not be a pirate? You might also have pieces of an old costume, like buttons, belts, or patches, that could be added to enhance another. You can also reuse your decor. Try decorating a trio of paintable pumpkins from your local craft store, then use them annually as a centerpiece for Halloween and even Thanksgiving!”
- Meagan Whitehead, Program & Affiliate Support Manager for KGBF
Prolong the Life of Your Pumpkins
“One idea I love is to compost your Halloween pumpkins to prevent them from ending up in landfills. You can also save the pumpkin seeds and eat them as a snack. If that’s not up your alley, you can instead use them to plant your own pumpkins for next year.”
- Asha Ellen, Executive Director of Keep Macon Bibb Beautiful
Recycle Relentlessly
“We’re partnering with Rubicon on an event called Trick or Trash. The program encourages people to bring their used candy wrappers to special drop-off recycling boxes around town. It’s a great way to save space in our landfills, since more than 600 million pounds of candy are purchased each year for Halloween in the U.S. alone. Look around to see if you can find one in your community, or sign up to host one yourself!”
- Shanda Sexton, Executive Director of Keep Hall Beautiful