by Tina Kelly –
A good costume is memorable. Three standouts from last year were an eight-year-old astronaut, a scuba-diving toddler and a family trio as chicken and waffles. They had a commonality, homemade elements incorporating recyclables – plastic bottle jet pack, pop bottle scuba tank, cardboard flippers and cardboard waffles. Yes, the creativity, yes, the originality and yes, to not contributing to the mass of poor-quality fast fashion costumes discarded each year. Halloween, like other commercial holidays, produces immeasurable waste. With a few swaps and changes, we can have a wildly fun time and reduce our impact.
Treats
Buying large quantities to save on packaging is touted as a good green strategy. Halloween feels counter to that with so many small wrappers. Choose treats packaged in boxes or paper.
Trick-or-Treat Bags
I’m from the pillow case generation. Wow, they held a lot of loot! If they’re cotton, they’re also plastic free. Add reusable shopping bags to the list of good candy catchalls. If you’re feeling especially creative, decorate the pillow case or bag and integrate it into your costume.
Costumes
One study estimated seven million costumes are thrown out annually in the U.K. You don’t need to be a seamstress or a craftsperson to avoid poorly-made synthetic costumes. Being a conscious consumer means considering the afterlife of your purchase. Is it good quality; will it last; can it be reused by you or someone else? Let family and friends know what you have to loan or give out and vice versa – put a call out about your Halloween needs. Do you need to borrow a whole costume or maybe just a specific item to complete a look? Post on a local buy nothing or neighbourhood freebie group on social media.
Make use of local organizations and businesses. On October 17, The Makehouse Co-op collaborates with the Royal British Columbia Museum on After Hours: Upcycled Costumes. This evening event brings together creativity and sustainability. Makehouse and Museum staff will guide you through creating an upcycled costume. Tickets are available through the Royal BC Museum.
Sourcing second-hand materials can be rewarding. Along with thrift stores selling general goods, there are several focused specifically on creative supplies. The Victoria Women in Need Community Co-op has a new craft and upcycling store at 1107 North Park Street. Last year I scooped up recirculated beads, felt and embroidery thread for my costume at SUPPLY Victoria Creative Reuse Centre (www.supplyvictoria.ca). The Green Thimble, a shop dedicated to making sewing as sustainable as possible, specializes in recirculating supplies. The last Friday of each month is Free Fabric Day, when older stock is offered up for free. They are also hosting Halloween costume workshops (www.thegreenthmble.ca).
Decorations
Use decorations you already own and focus on natural materials like paper, cardboard, flowers, pumpkins and gourds and remember to compost. For outdoor décor avoid materials, like fake spiderwebs, that can entangle birds and other wildlife.
Let’s keep the season’s spookiness to ghosts, ghouls and goblins and not about plastic, trash and waste. Have a safe Halloween.
