Like many holidays, Halloween is not the best for the environment. Many of the things we buy prior to Halloween end up as waste once they serve their purpose for a night. Below I have curated some ways you can incorporate sustainability into your Halloween celebration.

Candy

Candy is the star of the Halloween show (or at least in my eyes it is). This year be conscious of your candy choice. But whatever you do, don’t give out raisins. No one wants raisins. Here are a few lists to help you pick out the perfect treat for your tick or treaters:

Sustainable Palm Oil

Organic Candy

Not into candy? Not a problem. Give out little treasures like festive pencils and erasers.

Trick or Treat Bag

Unfortunately at my age it isn’t socially acceptable to go trick or treating, but back in the day I was all about using a pillowcase for my trick or treating bag. While I didn’t do it for the sake of sustainability (I used it because it held a stupid amount of candy), without realizing it I was doing the environment a small favor by not using a plastic bag. But rather than using your mom’s nice, floral cases without her permission, make it into a fun DIY project. Get a blank, white pillow case and some decorations at your local craft store or use some supplies you already have at your house and go wild to create a fun, unique bag that you can use for years to come.

Costume

Remember that awesome costume your friend wore last year? Ask to borrow it! It will save money and the environment. Don’t like that awesome costume your friend wore last year? Make your own! Making your own costume is so fun and rewarding. Try using things you already have or going to a vintage store to find unique pieces. But the most important thing is to have fun with it. And when all else fails, just slap a pair of animal ears on.

If you have a bunch of old costumes in need of a new home, you can donate them to WEEN DREAM which is a nonprofit that gives free Halloween costumes to children in need. I hope these tips will help you have a happy Halloween. Leave your Halloween tips and tricks in the comments below!