EcoWaste Coalition Suggests Ways to Keep Halloween Plastic-Free and Waste-Free (Green group offer tips to avoid ‘Hallowcost’ and ‘Hallowaste’)

After alerting the public about the health and safety risks of buying unauthorized Halloween toys, the EcoWaste Coalition today released a list of practical tips to make the upcoming celebration plastic-free and waste-free.

As some youth, neighborhood and business groups get ready for Halloween fun that was muffled for two years due to the COVID-19 restrictions, the EcoWaste Coalition has identified ways to minimize, if not eliminate, spending and wasting during the merriment.

“We hope Halloween event organizers and participants will take steps to prevent and reduce spending and trash for the parade or party being planned,” said Jove Benosa, Zero Waste Campaigner, EcoWaste Coalition. “As times are tough, we can cut on ‘Hallowcost’ by not spending for things we can do without. And we can avoid ‘Hallowaste’ by not creating waste in the first place.” 

1. Avoid spending on Halloween decorations. Creatively reuse available discards to give your event the spooky feel if that is what you like.    
2. Refrain from buying new Halloween costumes. Unlock your imagination to assemble costumes out of things in your closet or recycling bin.
3. Shun Halloween face paints and make-up kits, especially those sold without proper authorization and labeling information. Try homemade alternatives made out of suitable items from the pantry.
4. Substitute plastic pumpkin buckets with repurposed bandannas, handkerchiefs and pillow cases as containers for Halloween treats.  
5. Refrain from putting Halloween treats in single-use plastic “labo” or plastic sando bags.
6. Go beyond candies as a Halloween staple. For a change, why not opt for native fruits such as banana and dalandan, or hand out goodies that children can use in schools such as pencils, non-PVC erasers, non-toxic crayons, etc.
7. Avoid balloons for Halloween parades and parties, and never let balloons go in the air to prevent litter, which can harm the environment, especially wildlife.
8. If you are throwing a Halloween party, avoid disposables. Use utensils, cups and plates that can be washed and used again. Avoid any form of food waste.

“We invite Halloween event organizers to think of other ways to avoid ‘Hallowcost’ and ‘Hallowaste.’ Halloween need not make a hole in the wallet or create a monster out of trash,” concluded Benosa. 

In the coming days, the EcoWaste Coalition will promote waste prevention and reduction tips in cemeteries in anticipation of the army of people who will be visiting their dearly departed loved ones soon.