HOW TO MAKE YOUR HALLOWEEN MORE SUSTAINABLE

Did you know that 10 million pumpkins are grown in the UK every year? And 95% of these are used just for Halloween, reported the Guardian. But what’s more terrifying than the day itself is the amount of food wastage that is linked with it.

Hubbub, a sustainability charity, conducted a survey with 3,000 adults in the UK, and found out that only a shocking 42% of them knew that the insides of a pumpkin are edible. And therefore approximately 18,000 tonnes of pumpkins will be thrown away. That’s equivalent to 360 million portions of pumpkin pie, the charity said.

Now we’re not saying to give up on your pumpkin carving traditions, but why not check out these cost-saving and waste-reducing tips that will help you make your Halloween more sustainable…

Buy an Organic Pumpkin

Hit up your local farmer’s markets or greengrocers to find an organic pumpkin. As they will not have used excessive pesticides in the farming process, which of course have a long-term detrimental effect on ecosystems. 

Roast the Seeds

Both a tasty and healthy snack. Just scoop out the seeds and remove any pumpkin flesh that is still attached and then rinse them off. Place the seeds on a baking tray with some olive oil and any extra spices/flavourings you like (e.g. salt, chilli) and bake in the oven until lightly golden brown. 

Use the Flesh

The internet is full of amazing recipes incorporating the squash plant, including soups, pies, desserts and risottos that can be made from the flesh. Whether you prefer sweet, savoury or spicy, there’s a recipe for everyone!

Repurpose your Pumpkin Waste

On November 1st, if your Pumpkin is beginning to decay, you can put the remains in your compost bin, or if you don’t have one of your own you can have it collected by your local council to be disposed of as food waste and turned into compost. Or treat the birds and use your pumpkin waste as bird feed for them during the colder months.