Sustainable Halloween Costumes: Haunting Impact
10/15/25
Halloween is a time for creativity and fun, but it also brings environmental challenges. Many costumes are made from synthetic materials, and the scary truth is that millions are discarded each year across the United States, contributing to significant waste. In fact, Americans throw away an estimated 11 million tons of textiles annually, much of which take decades to decompose (EPA, 2024). You can reduce your environmental impact by choosing eco-friendly costumes, supporting the County’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) goals, and helping divert waste from landfills while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Sustainable Ways to Create a Costume
Creating a sustainable costume is a great way to celebrate Halloween while protecting the environment. Here are some tips to consider:
- Reuse or Swap Costumes: Give an old costume a second life by wearing it again or swapping it with a friend instead of buying a new one.
- Repurpose Materials: Use old clothing, thrifted items, or fabric scraps from around your home to create your costume.
- Minimize Accessories: Make simple, reusable accessories or upcycle materials like cardboard, paper, or recycled plastic.
- Borrow: Borrow costumes from a friend to cut down on new purchases.
- Choose Natural or Recycled Fabrics: Opt for organic cotton, linen, hemp, bamboo, or recycled polyester for a lower environmental impact.
- Eco-Friendly Makeup: Use natural, organic ingredients to reduce waste and exposure to harmful chemicals.
- Support Local Artisans: Buy from local designers who prioritize sustainable production reduces transportation emissions and supports the local economy.
By following these tips, you can create a unique, sustainable costume that showcases your creativity while minimizing your environmental footprint! For more sustainability tips and resources, visit the CAP website, sign up for our monthly newsletter, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
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