Autumn, costumes, candy, scary pumpkins… It doesn't get much better than Halloween.
Yet, it stands as one of the most wasteful holidays we celebrate!
Halloween costumes, often being a one-and-done deal, contribute massively to the ongoing issue of environmental problems. I can't help but ponder the fate of these Halloween costumes, which, after a night of fun, find their way into trash bins, adding to the already towering heaps of waste.
Americans are expected to spend $10.6 billion during the Halloween season. A bulk of this will go to Halloween costumes. What will happen to those costumes as soon as they’re taken off at the end of the night? They’ll end up in the trash.
But I am taking a stand, choosing to diverge from the path of wasteful practices that have long been a part of our costume culture.
I am thrilled to share that it is indeed possible to have a blast this Halloween with sustainable Halloween costumes that are not just eco-friendly but also unique and personal.
Picture this: sustainable Halloween costumes that align perfectly with our vegan lifestyle, echoing our commitment to the environment and showcasing our action-taking spirit.
Let's make it sustainable.
Why Choose a Sustainable Halloween Costume?
The Hidden Cost of Halloween
I have to admit, the statistics startled me.
In 2019, the UK saw 2,000 tons of plastic waste from Halloween costumes. That's equivalent to 83 million plastic bottles!
It's high time we shift to sustainable Halloween costumes.
Your Skin Will Thank You
But it's not just about the planet. It's about us, too.
Sustainable materials are kinder to our skin. They are free from harsh chemicals found in synthetic fabrics.
It's a choice that embraces both eco-friendly and self-care principles.
A Win for Your Wallet
Let's talk savings.
Sustainable costumes last longer. You can reuse them, creating new looks each year. Moreover, sustainable costumes tend to be more durable
It's a smart, budget-friendly choice.
Plus, it's a nod to sustainable living, a path we all cherish.
Championing Sustainable Brands
I am all in for supporting sustainable brands. They share our vision for an eco-friendly Halloween. It's about making choices that resonate with our eco-conscious lifestyle.
It's about walking the talk.
Ready for a Green Halloween?
As we dive deeper, I'll share sustainable Halloween costume ideas and eco-friendly tips. It's about crafting a Halloween that mirrors our values. A celebration that is fun, creative, and green.
Join me as we redefine Halloween. Let's make it a festival of joy and responsibility, hand in hand.
Let's champion sustainable and eco-friendly choices this Halloween.
10 Tips To Have a Sustainable Halloween Costumes
1. Reuse Your Old Costumes
The most obvious tip on having a sustainable Halloween costume is to reuse an old one. If you think your old costumes are too boring or outdated, you can learn simple sewing skills and transform them into something beautiful or terrifying.
You can also add accessories to old Halloween costumes that’ll make them feel brand new. For example, use ordinary household items for kids’ costumes, and turn them into princesses and pirates.
Open those boxes with old Halloween costumes, and who knows what treasure you may find inside.
2. Shop Your Closet
Another great way to be eco-friendly this Halloween is to reuse the clothes you already have. I know it doesn’t sound too exciting, but I promise you can end up with the most original Halloween costume at the party.
Think about your clothes and what could suit your costume idea. For example, choose black clothing if you want to be a witch. Or, go for a white dress and make a pair of wings out of cardboard boxes if you want to be an angel.
This is also a great way to use clothes that we’ve been sitting in the back of your closet for ages. Add some theme-appropriate accessories and spooky makeup, and you’re ready to go.
3. Upcycle Old Clothes
The goal of upcycling is to give old items a new purpose and prevent them from ending up in landfills. You can do this with old clothes for Halloween too.
Are there accessories you no longer wear or clothes that don’t fit you? Or, do you have a pile of clothes your children have outgrown? Think about if some of these can be turned into a costume.
For example, that sweatshirt and sweatpants you’ve wanted to throw out for ages. You can cut it and turn it into a skeleton costume. Or, do you have an old shirt that no longer fits? You can cut up, dye, and redesign it into a brand new costume.
4. Have a Halloween Costume Swap Party
Here’s another idea on how to get rid of those boxes with old costumes without sending them to landfills — host a Halloween costume swap party. After all, one person’s trash is another person’s treasure.
It’s finally time to part ways with your childhood tiara and ghost sheets. Set a date, invite your neighbors and friends and ask them to bring their old costumes. Turn the event into a party. Serve food and drinks, and have people try out costumes and dress up. You can even have a vote on what looks best on whom.
Also, if you have kids, you can host a costume swap party at their school or daycare. Finally, you can always turn to Facebook. Check your neighborhood or town’s Facebook groups, and ask people to post available costumes.
A costume-swapping party is a fun way to get a new costume. And, best of all, it’s completely free.
5. Go Thrift Shopping
Thrift stores can be treasure vaults of leftover costumes.
Make a round around the thrift stores in your city and ask if they have any leftover Halloween costumes.
Or, you don’t even need to buy a pre-made costume. Instead, put your creative skills to use.
Pick clothes in a thrift store that match the vision for your character for this Halloween. You can find pieces that inspire you to create a whole new costume.
Don’t limit yourself to brick-and-mortar thrift shops, but check online as well. For example, check eBay and other second-hand clothing apps. You can even turn to Etsy for Halloween costumes and accessories made by eco-friendly artisans. Finally, check ethical marketplaces for accessories that can make your thrift store costume stand out.
6. DIY Halloween Costume Ideas
This one ties together everything I’ve mentioned above. An epic Halloween costume doesn’t have to be expensive.
Again, think about pieces you have in your closet, or even jerseys or uniforms from sports teams that could double as a costume. For example, a hockey uniform can work as a hockey player’s costume. All you need is a hockey stick, and the costume is complete.
My tip is to always check Instagram and Pinterest for easy DIY Halloween costumes. Even if you aren’t inspired, see what others are doing and copy them.
You’ll be surprised by what household items can be used as a part of a costume.
Masks, headwear pieces, and even jewelry can come from the home. Get some fabric glue, material, sparkles from the local craft store, and you can add embellishments to the costume or create a new accessory.
7. Don’t Buy, Rent
Renting a costume is another sustainable Halloween idea. If you or your children have your heart set on being a specific character this Halloween, it’s better to rent than buy it. Not to mention, this is a more budget-friendly option.
Look for costume rentals online and in-store.
Check out costume shops. Most of them offer rental options. This is especially great for children because they’ll outgrow the costume by next year.
8. Get Creative With Makeup and Body Paint
The Hulk. Cruella de Vil. A Skeleton. Catwoman. What do you need for these? Makeup. Makeup can transform you into anyone.
Once again, Pinterest is your best friend for inspiration. Also, check YouTube for countless Halloween makeup tutorials.
Stick to something easier if you aren’t that good at makeup. Or, get your friends and do Halloween makeup together.
Try to make your own body paint instead of buying a new one that you’ll throw out after Halloween. Check YouTube for Halloween body paint recipes, and see what you can make at home without buying new ingredients. Most body paint recipes only need cornstarch, body lotion, water, and food coloring. I bet you already have these in your pantry and bathroom counter.
9. Get a Onesie
If you don’t want to create Halloween costumes or can’t get your friend together to swap costumes, buy a onesie. A onesie can work for Halloween and for relaxing at home year-round.
There are so many onesies available nowadays. You can find everything from koala pajamas to sloth jumpsuits. You’ll look cute on Halloween and later on at home.
10. Choose an Evergreen Halloween Costumes
Finally, what kind of character you choose can also be eco-friendly.
It’s tempting to dress up as the newest superhero or a TV show character that’s currently popular.
But, these costume trends will fade by next Halloween season, and you’ll be left with an outdated costume.
Instead, go for evergreen costumes. These are costumes that withstood the test of time and are popular year after year. For example, someone is always a witch, an angel, or a vampire.
You can rewear this costume and benefit the planet and your wallet.
You can be an advocate fighting against climate change. For example, be a Vampire Energy. This way, you’ll have a timeless costume with an eco-friendly twist.
What Makes a Costume Truly Sustainable?
As we all know, the devil is in the details. Especially when it comes to crafting the perfect sustainable Halloween costume.
Let's delve deeper into understanding the nuances of an eco-friendly Halloween costume.
Understanding the Basics of an Eco-Friendly Halloween Costume
When we talk about a sustainable or eco-friendly Halloween costume, we are referring to a costume that has been created with the environment in mind.
It encompasses the materials used, the manufacturing process, and the lifespan of the costume.
A sustainable costume ideally involves materials that are biodegradable, recycled, or upcycled, steering clear of harmful substances that are often found in most Halloween costumes off the shelf.
The manufacturing process should be ethical, avoiding any practices that harm the environment or exploit workers.
Lastly, a sustainable costume has a long lifespan, meaning it can be used year after year, reducing the constant need for new costumes.
Top Materials for Your Sustainable Halloween Costume
As we venture into creating our eco-friendly Halloween costumes, it is pivotal to choose materials that are kind to our planet.
Here, I will share some top materials that you can consider for your Halloween costume ideas:
Organic Cotton: This material is free from harmful pesticides and chemicals, making it a great choice for your costume. However, it can be a bit pricier compared to regular cotton.
Bamboo: Known for being incredibly sustainable, bamboo is a great material choice. It is fast-growing and requires less water than cotton. The downside is that it can sometimes be processed using harmful chemicals.
Recycled Polyester: Utilizing recycled polyester can give plastic bottles and other plastics a second life. It is a step towards reducing the waste generated by the fashion industry. However, it is still a plastic-based material and can shed microplastics over time.
Hemp: A robust and eco-friendly material, hemp is a fantastic choice for costumes. It grows quickly and requires little water and no pesticides. The con is that it can be a bit rougher compared to other fabrics.
Upcycled Materials: Think outside the box and use materials like old sheets, curtains, or even plastic bags to create costumes. It's a quick and easy costume solution that is also eco-friendly. The downside is that it might not be as durable as costumes made from other materials.
As we gear up for the fun holiday that Halloween is, let's make a conscious effort to choose materials that are not just good for us but also for our planet. Remember, every little step counts in our journey towards a more eco-friendly Halloween.
So, as you brainstorm your costume ideas for that upcoming Halloween party, keep these materials in mind to ensure your outfit is both fabulous and sustainable.
Raise Awareness With These Eco-Themed Halloween Costumes
If you’re out of ideas for what to dress up as, here are plenty more costume ideas to try!
You can dress as an activist, an endangered animal, or a climate change superhero. This way, you can educate others and raise awareness about why climate change action is important.
Plus, there are thousands of regular Halloween costumes. With these eco-friendly costume ideas, you’ll be unique and guaranteed to stand out at any Halloween party.
This is one of the easiest and most effective eco-friendly-themed Halloween costumes you can go for. Dress in blue and attach some green paper on the clothes. You can paint melting ice caps and carry a thermometer showing high temperatures.
Or, you can dress as Mother Nature. Carry a thermometer and complain about how hot it is. You can also spritz yourself with water for the extra effect.
2. Eco-Friendly Superhero
Give Supermans and Spidermans a run for their money with a Captain Planet costume. You can even reuse an old Spiderman costume, just cover the S with an image of planet Earth.
Convince your friends to do the same, and go as a group of Planeteers.
3. Green-Washing
If you’re looking for funny DIY Halloween costumes, green-washing is the answer. Get some green clothes and green body paint for full effect.
Plus, you can carry around a can of green paint and a paintbrush. Make some labels that say “eco-friendly,” “sustainable,” and “made from 3% recycled materials.”
You’ll need some blue clothes. Simple pants and a shirt are enough. Glue as much waste as you can to the clothes.
Stick to plastic waste, such as bottles, bags, cutlery, straws, and more. You don’t want to smell bad after all.
Then, once Halloween is over, you can recycle all the plastic, so this costume is a double-win.
5. Skinny Polar Bear
Skinny, gaunt polar bears became poster children for melting polar ice. You can draw attention to it by becoming a skinny polar bear yourself.
Show off your toned beach body and dress in skimpy white clothes with a polar bear mask. You can also beg for seal meat when you go trick or treating for added effect.
Also, there’s no need to be stick-thin for this costume to work. You can always draw some jutting bones and glue them to your clothes. The effect will be the same.
6. Zombee
A zombie costume is a classic, but you can give it an eco-friendly twist and make a zombee costume. We live in a pesticide-ridden world where bees are dying in droves. So, why not make a zombee costume to drive the point home.
Check your closet for a yellow and black striped top, black pants, or a frilly black skirt. Go to the costume store for some gossamer wings. Finally, add some zombie makeup, and you’ll have the ultimate bee zombee costume.
7. Rising Sea Levels
Find a shirt with a picture of a city on it, and make waves out of cardboard. Don’t worry if you aren’t particularly crafty. The waves can be in the shape of the letter C. Attach the waves to the shirt, making sure most of them are at the top of your shirt (around the collar). Voila, you’re a sinking city.
Considering rising sea levels are threatening more than 180 US cities, this is one of the best Halloween costumes for raising awareness.
8. Wildfire
As global temperature rises, wildfire season is lengthening, so this is another of the pressing environmental issues you can point to. Plus, it’s easy to dress as wildfire.
Find some red and orange clothing. Make flames out of cardboard or fabric and attach them to your clothes, and you’re done.
You can make Halloween costumes that are good for the environment yourself. This way, you can make sure these costumes are made from natural materials and waste and can be reused or recycled, which reduces their impact on the planet.
Plus, if you make sustainable costumes with kids, you’ll teach them about the importance of caring for our planet.
Here are five of the best green Halloween costumes and how to make them.
1. Mummy
Mummy is a classic Halloween costume. Instead of throwing out old white sheets, tear them into strips, and then wrap yourself or your little one like a mummy.
Make sure to leave holes for the eyes, nose, and mouth. Use eco-friendly fabric glue or safety pins to secure the strips. You can add some fake blood on the face for added effect.
You can do the same with old bandages you have lying around.
Overall, a mummy is a fantastic idea to reuse old sheets or bandages instead of throwing them out.
2. Skeleton
We’re continuing with the spooky costumes, so next is the Skeleton costume.
You can find some old black clothes and rewear them.
Use eco-friendly, non-toxic dyes to draw the bones. These can be as simple as drawing white lines on the clothes. Or, use white duct tape.
This is an extremely low-impact costume and one of the easiest you can make.
Pro Tip: Get some glow-in-the-dark duct type for the biggest impact.
3. Spiderweb
This is another easy-to-make costume with duct tape. We all have old sweatshirts and leggings on the verge of being thrown out.
Get white duct tape, a craft knife, and a cutting mat. Cut the tape into thin strips.
Pick a center point where you want the web to begin, and run long strips from this center in a sunray pattern. Work all around the center point. Then, cut shorter pieces and connect each ray to create a center circle. Go downwards until the web is finished.
Get plastic or rubber spiders at the dollar store and attach them to the web for extra effect.
Pro Tip: Lift each strip with the tip of the knife for easy removal.
4. Frankenstein
Frankenstein is an evergreen spooky costume you can make with waste and recyclable materials. This is a great way to reuse cardboard and tissue boxes. You’ll also need black pants, a jacket, and a purple shirt. Check if you already have any of these, or visit a thrift store.
Here’s how to make a Frankenstein costume:
Cut the pants, so there are ragged edges.
Make patches with green and purple duct tape and use safety pins to attach them to the jacket and pants.
Shred a purple shirt and layer it with a green shirt underneath.
Use a green cardboard box, or paint it green. Paint black pointed hair on top and cut squares big enough for the face
Wrap two tissue boxes with purple duct tape and use them as shoe covers.
5. Snail
A snail costume is a great way to reuse old waste bags instead of throwing them out. This costume can work for both a child and a pet. You’ll need 5-yard waste bags, a headband, tape, or glue.
Start by making the shell. Crumple up waste bags, and roll them. When you have enough rolled bags, wrap them into a shell and tape to hold in place.
Use small cardboard and tie the ribbon to it. This way, you’ll have a backpack, and the shell won’t fall off the back, even if you have a very lively pet.
Finally, make the headband. Use a section of brown paper. Crumple it and roll until it’s stiff to stand on its own. Then add Styrofoam to the ends of rolled brown paper. Use eco-friendly hot melt to attach it to both ends instead of hot glue. Voila, your snail costume is ready.
Choose a Sustainable Costume This Halloween
Halloween is a spooky time of the year during which you can let your imagination run free. But don’t forget about being eco-friendly. A Halloween costume swap can save money and help the environment. Shop your own closet and household items for costumes and accessories, and tie everything up with face paint.
Or, you can make your own sustainable Halloween costumes. Stick to recyclable materials such as fabrics and cardboard. Use non-toxic paints and hot glue. Sustainably themed costumes are an excellent way to be creative and raise awareness in others.
Finally, have fun! After all, Halloween is all about eating candy, spending time with friends, and playing dress-up. Let’s do it responsibly this year, so our planet can enjoy the holiday too.
Marina is passionate about sustainability and works to help ensure our planet stays as our home for a long time. She takes part in environmental conservation by recycling and not buying single-use plastic.
Lifestyle
How to Have Sustainable Halloween Costume This Year
Written by : Marina Maletic, Updated by: Samira Tasneem | Last Updated: March 21, 2024
Contents
Let’s celebrate Halloween with sustainable Halloween costume this year. From creative tips to actual costume ideas — find all here.
Autumn, costumes, candy, scary pumpkins… It doesn't get much better than Halloween.
Yet, it stands as one of the most wasteful holidays we celebrate!
Halloween costumes, often being a one-and-done deal, contribute massively to the ongoing issue of environmental problems. I can't help but ponder the fate of these Halloween costumes, which, after a night of fun, find their way into trash bins, adding to the already towering heaps of waste.
Americans are expected to spend $10.6 billion during the Halloween season. A bulk of this will go to Halloween costumes. What will happen to those costumes as soon as they’re taken off at the end of the night? They’ll end up in the trash.
But I am taking a stand, choosing to diverge from the path of wasteful practices that have long been a part of our costume culture.
I am thrilled to share that it is indeed possible to have a blast this Halloween with sustainable Halloween costumes that are not just eco-friendly but also unique and personal.
Picture this: sustainable Halloween costumes that align perfectly with our vegan lifestyle, echoing our commitment to the environment and showcasing our action-taking spirit.
Let's make it sustainable.
Why Choose a Sustainable Halloween Costume?
The Hidden Cost of Halloween
I have to admit, the statistics startled me.
In 2019, the UK saw 2,000 tons of plastic waste from Halloween costumes. That's equivalent to 83 million plastic bottles!
It's high time we shift to sustainable Halloween costumes.
Your Skin Will Thank You
But it's not just about the planet. It's about us, too.
Sustainable materials are kinder to our skin. They are free from harsh chemicals found in synthetic fabrics.
It's a choice that embraces both eco-friendly and self-care principles.
A Win for Your Wallet
Let's talk savings.
Sustainable costumes last longer. You can reuse them, creating new looks each year. Moreover, sustainable costumes tend to be more durable
It's a smart, budget-friendly choice.
Plus, it's a nod to sustainable living, a path we all cherish.
Championing Sustainable Brands
I am all in for supporting sustainable brands. They share our vision for an eco-friendly Halloween. It's about making choices that resonate with our eco-conscious lifestyle.
It's about walking the talk.
Ready for a Green Halloween?
As we dive deeper, I'll share sustainable Halloween costume ideas and eco-friendly tips. It's about crafting a Halloween that mirrors our values. A celebration that is fun, creative, and green.
Join me as we redefine Halloween. Let's make it a festival of joy and responsibility, hand in hand.
Let's champion sustainable and eco-friendly choices this Halloween.
10 Tips To Have a Sustainable Halloween Costumes
1. Reuse Your Old Costumes
The most obvious tip on having a sustainable Halloween costume is to reuse an old one. If you think your old costumes are too boring or outdated, you can learn simple sewing skills and transform them into something beautiful or terrifying.
You can also add accessories to old Halloween costumes that’ll make them feel brand new. For example, use ordinary household items for kids’ costumes, and turn them into princesses and pirates.
Open those boxes with old Halloween costumes, and who knows what treasure you may find inside.
2. Shop Your Closet
Another great way to be eco-friendly this Halloween is to reuse the clothes you already have. I know it doesn’t sound too exciting, but I promise you can end up with the most original Halloween costume at the party.
Think about your clothes and what could suit your costume idea. For example, choose black clothing if you want to be a witch. Or, go for a white dress and make a pair of wings out of cardboard boxes if you want to be an angel.
This is also a great way to use clothes that we’ve been sitting in the back of your closet for ages. Add some theme-appropriate accessories and spooky makeup, and you’re ready to go.
3. Upcycle Old Clothes
The goal of upcycling is to give old items a new purpose and prevent them from ending up in landfills. You can do this with old clothes for Halloween too.
Are there accessories you no longer wear or clothes that don’t fit you? Or, do you have a pile of clothes your children have outgrown? Think about if some of these can be turned into a costume.
For example, that sweatshirt and sweatpants you’ve wanted to throw out for ages. You can cut it and turn it into a skeleton costume. Or, do you have an old shirt that no longer fits? You can cut up, dye, and redesign it into a brand new costume.
4. Have a Halloween Costume Swap Party
Here’s another idea on how to get rid of those boxes with old costumes without sending them to landfills — host a Halloween costume swap party. After all, one person’s trash is another person’s treasure.
It’s finally time to part ways with your childhood tiara and ghost sheets. Set a date, invite your neighbors and friends and ask them to bring their old costumes. Turn the event into a party. Serve food and drinks, and have people try out costumes and dress up. You can even have a vote on what looks best on whom.
Also, if you have kids, you can host a costume swap party at their school or daycare. Finally, you can always turn to Facebook. Check your neighborhood or town’s Facebook groups, and ask people to post available costumes.
A costume-swapping party is a fun way to get a new costume. And, best of all, it’s completely free.
5. Go Thrift Shopping
Thrift stores can be treasure vaults of leftover costumes.
Make a round around the thrift stores in your city and ask if they have any leftover Halloween costumes.
Or, you don’t even need to buy a pre-made costume. Instead, put your creative skills to use.
Pick clothes in a thrift store that match the vision for your character for this Halloween. You can find pieces that inspire you to create a whole new costume.
Don’t limit yourself to brick-and-mortar thrift shops, but check online as well. For example, check eBay and other second-hand clothing apps. You can even turn to Etsy for Halloween costumes and accessories made by eco-friendly artisans. Finally, check ethical marketplaces for accessories that can make your thrift store costume stand out.
6. DIY Halloween Costume Ideas
This one ties together everything I’ve mentioned above. An epic Halloween costume doesn’t have to be expensive.
Again, think about pieces you have in your closet, or even jerseys or uniforms from sports teams that could double as a costume. For example, a hockey uniform can work as a hockey player’s costume. All you need is a hockey stick, and the costume is complete.
My tip is to always check Instagram and Pinterest for easy DIY Halloween costumes. Even if you aren’t inspired, see what others are doing and copy them.
You’ll be surprised by what household items can be used as a part of a costume.
Masks, headwear pieces, and even jewelry can come from the home. Get some fabric glue, material, sparkles from the local craft store, and you can add embellishments to the costume or create a new accessory.
7. Don’t Buy, Rent
Renting a costume is another sustainable Halloween idea. If you or your children have your heart set on being a specific character this Halloween, it’s better to rent than buy it. Not to mention, this is a more budget-friendly option.
Look for costume rentals online and in-store.
Check out costume shops. Most of them offer rental options. This is especially great for children because they’ll outgrow the costume by next year.
8. Get Creative With Makeup and Body Paint
The Hulk. Cruella de Vil. A Skeleton. Catwoman. What do you need for these? Makeup. Makeup can transform you into anyone.
Once again, Pinterest is your best friend for inspiration. Also, check YouTube for countless Halloween makeup tutorials.
Stick to something easier if you aren’t that good at makeup. Or, get your friends and do Halloween makeup together.
Try to make your own body paint instead of buying a new one that you’ll throw out after Halloween. Check YouTube for Halloween body paint recipes, and see what you can make at home without buying new ingredients. Most body paint recipes only need cornstarch, body lotion, water, and food coloring. I bet you already have these in your pantry and bathroom counter.
9. Get a Onesie
If you don’t want to create Halloween costumes or can’t get your friend together to swap costumes, buy a onesie. A onesie can work for Halloween and for relaxing at home year-round.
There are so many onesies available nowadays. You can find everything from koala pajamas to sloth jumpsuits. You’ll look cute on Halloween and later on at home.
10. Choose an Evergreen Halloween Costumes
Finally, what kind of character you choose can also be eco-friendly.
It’s tempting to dress up as the newest superhero or a TV show character that’s currently popular.
But, these costume trends will fade by next Halloween season, and you’ll be left with an outdated costume.
Instead, go for evergreen costumes. These are costumes that withstood the test of time and are popular year after year. For example, someone is always a witch, an angel, or a vampire.
You can rewear this costume and benefit the planet and your wallet.
You can be an advocate fighting against climate change. For example, be a Vampire Energy. This way, you’ll have a timeless costume with an eco-friendly twist.
What Makes a Costume Truly Sustainable?
As we all know, the devil is in the details. Especially when it comes to crafting the perfect sustainable Halloween costume.
But what exactly makes a costume truly sustainable? Or what is sustainable costume?
Let's delve deeper into understanding the nuances of an eco-friendly Halloween costume.
Understanding the Basics of an Eco-Friendly Halloween Costume
When we talk about a sustainable or eco-friendly Halloween costume, we are referring to a costume that has been created with the environment in mind.
It encompasses the materials used, the manufacturing process, and the lifespan of the costume.
A sustainable costume ideally involves materials that are biodegradable, recycled, or upcycled, steering clear of harmful substances that are often found in most Halloween costumes off the shelf.
The manufacturing process should be ethical, avoiding any practices that harm the environment or exploit workers.
Lastly, a sustainable costume has a long lifespan, meaning it can be used year after year, reducing the constant need for new costumes.
Top Materials for Your Sustainable Halloween Costume
As we venture into creating our eco-friendly Halloween costumes, it is pivotal to choose materials that are kind to our planet.
Here, I will share some top materials that you can consider for your Halloween costume ideas:
As we gear up for the fun holiday that Halloween is, let's make a conscious effort to choose materials that are not just good for us but also for our planet. Remember, every little step counts in our journey towards a more eco-friendly Halloween.
So, as you brainstorm your costume ideas for that upcoming Halloween party, keep these materials in mind to ensure your outfit is both fabulous and sustainable.
Raise Awareness With These Eco-Themed Halloween Costumes
If you’re out of ideas for what to dress up as, here are plenty more costume ideas to try!
You can dress as an activist, an endangered animal, or a climate change superhero. This way, you can educate others and raise awareness about why climate change action is important.
Plus, there are thousands of regular Halloween costumes. With these eco-friendly costume ideas, you’ll be unique and guaranteed to stand out at any Halloween party.
Here are some eco-themed Halloween costumes.
1. Planet Earth
Image and idea credit: Coolest Homemade Costumes
This is one of the easiest and most effective eco-friendly-themed Halloween costumes you can go for. Dress in blue and attach some green paper on the clothes. You can paint melting ice caps and carry a thermometer showing high temperatures.
Or, you can dress as Mother Nature. Carry a thermometer and complain about how hot it is. You can also spritz yourself with water for the extra effect.
2. Eco-Friendly Superhero
Give Supermans and Spidermans a run for their money with a Captain Planet costume. You can even reuse an old Spiderman costume, just cover the S with an image of planet Earth.
Convince your friends to do the same, and go as a group of Planeteers.
3. Green-Washing
If you’re looking for funny DIY Halloween costumes, green-washing is the answer. Get some green clothes and green body paint for full effect.
Plus, you can carry around a can of green paint and a paintbrush. Make some labels that say “eco-friendly,” “sustainable,” and “made from 3% recycled materials.”
Just don't forget to have a sarcastic attitude!
4. Plastic Ocean Pollution
Image and idea credit: Plastic Manners
You’ll need some blue clothes. Simple pants and a shirt are enough. Glue as much waste as you can to the clothes.
Stick to plastic waste, such as bottles, bags, cutlery, straws, and more. You don’t want to smell bad after all.
Then, once Halloween is over, you can recycle all the plastic, so this costume is a double-win.
5. Skinny Polar Bear
Skinny, gaunt polar bears became poster children for melting polar ice. You can draw attention to it by becoming a skinny polar bear yourself.
Show off your toned beach body and dress in skimpy white clothes with a polar bear mask. You can also beg for seal meat when you go trick or treating for added effect.
Also, there’s no need to be stick-thin for this costume to work. You can always draw some jutting bones and glue them to your clothes. The effect will be the same.
6. Zombee
A zombie costume is a classic, but you can give it an eco-friendly twist and make a zombee costume. We live in a pesticide-ridden world where bees are dying in droves. So, why not make a zombee costume to drive the point home.
Check your closet for a yellow and black striped top, black pants, or a frilly black skirt. Go to the costume store for some gossamer wings. Finally, add some zombie makeup, and you’ll have the ultimate bee zombee costume.
7. Rising Sea Levels
Find a shirt with a picture of a city on it, and make waves out of cardboard. Don’t worry if you aren’t particularly crafty. The waves can be in the shape of the letter C. Attach the waves to the shirt, making sure most of them are at the top of your shirt (around the collar). Voila, you’re a sinking city.
Considering rising sea levels are threatening more than 180 US cities, this is one of the best Halloween costumes for raising awareness.
8. Wildfire
As global temperature rises, wildfire season is lengthening, so this is another of the pressing environmental issues you can point to. Plus, it’s easy to dress as wildfire.
Find some red and orange clothing. Make flames out of cardboard or fabric and attach them to your clothes, and you’re done.
Read More:
30+ Eco-Friendly Tips For A Sustainable Holiday
5 Sustainable Halloween Costumes Made From Waste
You can make Halloween costumes that are good for the environment yourself. This way, you can make sure these costumes are made from natural materials and waste and can be reused or recycled, which reduces their impact on the planet.
Plus, if you make sustainable costumes with kids, you’ll teach them about the importance of caring for our planet.
Here are five of the best green Halloween costumes and how to make them.
1. Mummy
Mummy is a classic Halloween costume. Instead of throwing out old white sheets, tear them into strips, and then wrap yourself or your little one like a mummy.
Make sure to leave holes for the eyes, nose, and mouth. Use eco-friendly fabric glue or safety pins to secure the strips. You can add some fake blood on the face for added effect.
You can do the same with old bandages you have lying around.
Overall, a mummy is a fantastic idea to reuse old sheets or bandages instead of throwing them out.
2. Skeleton
We’re continuing with the spooky costumes, so next is the Skeleton costume.
You can find some old black clothes and rewear them.
Use eco-friendly, non-toxic dyes to draw the bones. These can be as simple as drawing white lines on the clothes. Or, use white duct tape.
This is an extremely low-impact costume and one of the easiest you can make.
Pro Tip: Get some glow-in-the-dark duct type for the biggest impact.
3. Spiderweb
This is another easy-to-make costume with duct tape. We all have old sweatshirts and leggings on the verge of being thrown out.
Get white duct tape, a craft knife, and a cutting mat. Cut the tape into thin strips.
Pick a center point where you want the web to begin, and run long strips from this center in a sunray pattern. Work all around the center point. Then, cut shorter pieces and connect each ray to create a center circle. Go downwards until the web is finished.
Get plastic or rubber spiders at the dollar store and attach them to the web for extra effect.
Pro Tip: Lift each strip with the tip of the knife for easy removal.
4. Frankenstein
Frankenstein is an evergreen spooky costume you can make with waste and recyclable materials. This is a great way to reuse cardboard and tissue boxes. You’ll also need black pants, a jacket, and a purple shirt. Check if you already have any of these, or visit a thrift store.
Here’s how to make a Frankenstein costume:
5. Snail
A snail costume is a great way to reuse old waste bags instead of throwing them out. This costume can work for both a child and a pet. You’ll need 5-yard waste bags, a headband, tape, or glue.
Start by making the shell. Crumple up waste bags, and roll them. When you have enough rolled bags, wrap them into a shell and tape to hold in place.
Use small cardboard and tie the ribbon to it. This way, you’ll have a backpack, and the shell won’t fall off the back, even if you have a very lively pet.
Finally, make the headband. Use a section of brown paper. Crumple it and roll until it’s stiff to stand on its own. Then add Styrofoam to the ends of rolled brown paper. Use eco-friendly hot melt to attach it to both ends instead of hot glue. Voila, your snail costume is ready.
Choose a Sustainable Costume This Halloween
Halloween is a spooky time of the year during which you can let your imagination run free. But don’t forget about being eco-friendly. A Halloween costume swap can save money and help the environment. Shop your own closet and household items for costumes and accessories, and tie everything up with face paint.
Or, you can make your own sustainable Halloween costumes. Stick to recyclable materials such as fabrics and cardboard. Use non-toxic paints and hot glue. Sustainably themed costumes are an excellent way to be creative and raise awareness in others.
Finally, have fun! After all, Halloween is all about eating candy, spending time with friends, and playing dress-up. Let’s do it responsibly this year, so our planet can enjoy the holiday too.
Marina Maletic
Marina is passionate about sustainability and works to help ensure our planet stays as our home for a long time. She takes part in environmental conservation by recycling and not buying single-use plastic.
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