Halloween is one of the most beloved holidays in Rossmoor, bringing out creativity, costumes, and candy galore. But while it’s full of festive fun, Halloween also has a spooky side when it comes to the environment. From candy wrappers and costumes to single-use decorations, much of what we use during this season ends up in landfills—or worse, polluting our oceans.
Unlike wastewater from our homes, which is treated before it re-enters the environment, anything that goes into our storm drain system flows directly to the beach in Seal Beach without any treatment.
That means every bit of trash left on the street or washed down a drain has the potential to harm wildlife and water quality.
But here’s the good news: you can still have a blast this Halloween while making smart, sustainable choices that protect our planet. Whether you’re trick-or-treating, pumpkin carving, or hosting a party, these five simple tips will help make your Halloween greener—and cleaner—for everyone.
1. DIY Costumes & Non-Toxic Face Paint
Most store-bought costumes are made from non-recyclable plastic materials that contribute to long-term pollution and microplastics—tiny particles that can persist in the environment for 20 to 200 years.
Try this instead:
- Get crafty and make your own costumes using cardboard, old clothes, or bed sheets.
- Visit local thrift stores, swap with neighbors, or check out costume exchanges.
- Skip the store-bought face paints, many of which contain toxic ingredients like heavy metals and parabens. Instead, make your own face paint—it’s safer, fun to do with kids, and environmentally responsible.
2. Rethink the Treats
Candy is great, but the plastic wrappers? Not so much. Most of them are made from non-recyclable mixed materials, which just end up in landfills.
Eco-friendly treat tips:
- Choose candies with minimal packaging or those wrapped in recyclable cardboard.
- Consider non-candy alternatives like seed packets, plantable pencils, or eco-friendly crafts.
- When trick-or-treating, skip the plastic pumpkins and use a reusable bag or old pillowcase.
3. Put Your Pumpkin to Work
Each year, Americans toss out 1 billion pounds of pumpkins after Halloween—most of which end up in landfills, producing methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
Pumpkin-saving ideas:
- Roast and eat the seeds, or save them for planting.
- Use leftover pumpkin flesh in delicious fall recipes.
- Turn carved pumpkins into bird feeders, compost them, or put them in your organics waste cart.
4. Decorate with Nature—and Caution
The U.S. spends over $2.36 billion on Halloween decorations, much of which includes single-use plastic that can’t be recycled.
Try these greener options:
- Decorate with natural materials like gourds, branches, hay bales, or stones.
- Reuse decorations from previous years or make your own using recycled or repurposed items.
- Be mindful with lighting: avoid paraffin candles, which release harmful soot and chemicals. Opt for beeswax or soy candles or go flameless with solar- or battery-powered lights—just remember to properly dispose of used batteries at a local household hazardous waste facility.
5. Throw a Party—Without the Waste
Halloween parties can be a lot of fun—but also a major source of trash if you’re not careful.
Waste-wise party tips:
- Use reusable dishes, cutlery, and cups—or go with biodegradable alternatives.
- Label cups so guests don’t grab new ones every time.
- Make your own Earth-friendly decorations. Here’s a great place to start
- Compost your food scraps or send leftovers home in compostable or reusable containers.
Let’s Make Halloween a Treat for the Planet
This Halloween, let’s all take a moment to think beyond the candy bowl. With just a few thoughtful choices, we can help protect our local creeks, rivers, and ocean from pollution—and still enjoy all the spooky fun the season has to offer.
Together, Rossmoor can lead the way in making Halloween both festive and environmentally friendly.
Happy Halloween to all of Rossmoor!
2 Responses
Thank you for sharing this!
You’re welcome Marilee