Eek! It’s almost Halloween, but don’t let the fear of waste stop you from having fun! This holiday is traditionally filled with fun size candy and plastic decorations — but it doesn’t have to be. We’ve compiled the ultimate list of easy low-waste solutions to treats, decorations, and costumes for you and your kids to have the Happiest Halloween.

Costumes

Costumes are perhaps the most vital part of Halloween, but a lot of store-bought costumes are poorly made with synthetic materials in less-than-ideal working conditions. We’re not saying you have to spend every ounce of free time in the weeks leading up to Halloween sewing your own costumes, but there are several ways to win Best-Dressed without fast fashion!

Look in your closet

There are many iconic character looks that you can make with some basic staples! Sandy and Danny from Grease, Mr. Clean, Arthur, Men in Black, Dwayne "the Rock" Johnson... the list goes on.

Cardboard is your friend

Some of the coolest costumes are made from a cardboard box and some craft supplies, and sometimes an accessory is all you need! Think Beanie Baby TY tag or a prop!

Ask around

Perhaps a friend has the costume you need, or at least some essential part of it.

Shop secondhand

Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, Poshmark, and thrift stores have some great treasures!

Pro Tip: Did you know you can rent costumes? Be the star of the party with a high-quality rental costume from a local costume shop!

For Trick-or-Treaters

Unless you live in a small community where you know and trust your neighbours well, zero waste options such as fruit, bulk candy, and homemade treats are generally a no-go. However! There are a few options out there to ensure you’re not the boring house on the block.

Candy in paper boxes

Candy such as Smarties, Dots, Popeyes Candy Sticks, and Nerds all come in recyclable paper boxes, and though you can’t control how it ends up after it’s in the hands of trick-or-treaters, you can rest assured it won’t end up as microplastics in the environment.

Pencils and erasers

Okay, kids might think you’re a little boring with this one, but they will end up using these. You could even print out Halloween wordsearches or colouring pages to go with them!

Canned drinks

Aluminum cans are easily recyclable, and if you’ve got a selection of sugary beverages, you’re sure to be the most popular house on the block.

Don't get many kids? A bath bomb, tub truffle, or shower steamer would make a memorable treat!

For Staying Home

Keeping the kids home for Halloween or having a few friends over is a fun and casual way to spend the night (and stay warm).

Bulk candy scavenger hunt

Get the kids in the backyard for a bit while you hide bulk candy around the house in paper bags, tins, or containers.

Homemade Halloween cookies, cupcakes, etc.

If you’ve got time on your hands and you really want to make an impression, some carefully decorated baked treats are the way to go.

Pro Tip: Use natural dyes such as charcoal, chlorella, and turmeric powder to colour your icing!

Popcorn

Nothing goes with your favourite scary movie quite like a big bowl of popcorn, or get creative with these easy, no-bake Halloween pumpkin treats.

Decorations

There's no need to spend a fortune on decorations. You can easily spook up your home by getting innovative with a number of crafty DIY projects!

Transform your room into a ghostly haunt

Drape your furniture in white bed sheets and stretch cheesecloth across picture frames and mirrors for an eerie abandoned interior.

Cardboard is your friend — again

Reuse old boxes to fake boarded up windows or add some gravestones to your yard.

Upcycle your old glass bottles

Paint them or make paper labels to turn them into magical potions and poisons.

Of course, we can’t forget about the ol’ pumpkin!

Pumpkin carving is a great activity, makes a nice addition to the porch, and make sure you save the pumpkin seeds for roasting afterwards!

Want to get crafty with the kids?

These egg carton bats are simple and adorable!