The Green Review

From big Thanksgiving feasts to spooky Halloween decorations, and all the way to the December buzz of Christmas and New Year’s, it’s that time of the year for celebrating, connecting, and creating new memories.

Each year, millions of Canadians participate in holiday traditions that can contribute to higher amounts of waste, but they also offer a wonderful chance to get creative and find new ways to celebrate that are just as joyful, and a little kinder to the planet.

According to Retail Council Canada, Halloween alone is a $1 billion industry in Canada, with almost 68% of Canadians joining in on the spooky tradition. In 2018, Statistics Canada reported that we spend approximately $550 million on sweet treats and snacks during October, and many of those shiny wrappers and cheap decorations end up in landfills. Moreover, most decorations are made of non-recyclable plastic, which can take decades to break down. Holidays can be an opportunity to make more sustainable choices. With a few simple and affordable changes, it’s possible to celebrate Halloween and the rest of the season in a more environmentally friendly way.

Eco-friendly decor and costume ideas for Halloween

Synthetic spider web alternative: Plastic-based Halloween webs might give a spooky vibe, but they are harmful to local wildlife. Birds, squirrels, and other animals can easily get tangled in these synthetic decorations, leading to injury or worse. Luckily, there are plenty of safe alternatives.

Consider using biodegradable materials like cotton strings, natural twines, or ropes to create home-crafted webs. Not only are these considered wildlife friendly, but they also add a personal and creative touch to your decorations.

Spooky DIY broom decoration

The Wolastoq, also referred to as the Saint John River, runs right through Fredericton, offering the UNB community a perfect spot to gather natural materials for eco-friendly Halloween crafts.

Driftwood found along the riverbank has a beautifully weathered look that makes it perfect for rustic witch brooms. Pick a long piece for the handle, gather a few shorter sticks for the bristles, and tie everything together with biodegradable twine. Add a few dried leaves or twigs for a unique spooky flair, then leave your broom by the door or porch.

After Halloween, reuse the materials for another crafty project or return them back to nature, making this sustainable, simple, and fun.

Sustainable and cost-effective costume ideas

As members of the UNB community, we have a unique opportunity to celebrate Halloween in a way that honors both tradition and sustainability. Using recyclable and repurposed materials such as old clothing, pillowcases, and used linens is a perfect cost-effective alternative to store bought costumes.

The ghostly sheet cape is an excellent example of a costume that requires minimal time, material, and effort. Simply repurpose an old white bed sheet and cut out eye holes or use a black marker to draw them out. Distress the edges for a classic spooky effect.

Enhance your costume with eco-friendly fabric markers for personalized creativity while minimizing environmental impact. This simple, cost-effective idea is perfect for students, faculty, and staff who want to participate in Halloween festivities responsibly and thoughtfully!

At the end of the day, holidays are mainly about making connections - whether with friends and family, our communities, or the environment around us. Finding simple, sustainable ways to celebrate doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.

In fact, it can be fun, creative, and meaningful. So, as we head into the season of costumes, comfort food, and cozy lights, let’s remember that small changes can go a long way.

A little less waste and a little more intention - and we can keep the spirit of the season alive without leaving a lasting cost on the Earth we all call home.