Five ways to go green this Halloween
It's that time of year where the veil between this world and the next becomes particularly thin, when some say troubled spirits walk among us.
But do you know what's really scary? The amount of waste that can end up in landfill once our Halloween celebrations are over.
A 2017 UK study estimates that 2,000 tonnes of plastic waste is generated each year by discarded costumes alone.
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the spooky season without haunting the planet.
Get tricky with treats
Does your baking take the cake? Halloween is a great chance to ditch plastic-wrapped lollies and make your own sweet treats. Creepy cookies and cupcakes, or frightening fruit and veg will tempt the trickiest trick-or-treaters.
If cooking is not your thing, buy lollies and chocolate in bulk to reduce the amount of plastic packaging.
Foil wrappers can be scrunched up and popped into your recycling bin.
Bring your own bag
For your trick-or-treat loot, don’t be tempted by the plastic pumpkin buckets lining the supermarket shelves.
Use a bag, backpack or basket you already have at home. Or get creative and decorate an old tote bag or pillowcase with your own terrifying touches if you want to supersize your spooky stash.
Crafty costumes
Save money while saving the planet and make your own costume rather than buying something new.
Visit your local op shops or join a “Buy Nothing” Facebook group to supplement items you already have at home.
You could also organise a costume swap with your family and friends, or simply hire an outfit from your local costume rental shop.
DIY decorations
Make your own decorations with common household items, like cardboard, newspaper, sheets, string and toilet rolls.
If you do want to fork out for store-bought decorations, make sure they’re high quality so you can use them year after year.
Fake spiderwebs can be harmful to insects and birds, so avoid these at all costs.
Repurpose your pumpkin
Turn your pumpkin lantern into a nourishing soup or pie when Halloween’s over.
Or if it’s not edible, be sure to chuck it in the compost or your organics bin.