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Strawberries, blueberries and a Hello Kitty shaped sandwich on our divided plates
It's that time of the year when you and the kids can unleash your inner ghosts and embark on a thrilling quest for tasty treasures. However, Halloween doesn't need to put a strain on the environment.

Here are my 5 ways to enjoy an eco-conscious Halloween while having a blast:

Make the most of that pumpkin! The possibilities are endless. Utilize the insides for a delicious soup (who doesn't adore pumpkin soup?). Roast the seeds for snacks or add them to a salad. Remember to compost the empty shells; the worms will appreciate it. If you don't have a compost, consider asking a neighbor who does.

Embrace sustainable costumes. In the US alone, the costume industry rakes in over 2.5 billion dollars, and sadly, many of these costumes end up in landfills. How can we make a difference? Get a bit creative—why not attempt a DIY costume this year? Or visit your local thrift store to assemble a unique outfit or recycle an older sibling's costume from a previous year.

Opt for eco-friendly treats. Halloween wouldn't be complete without some treats, but there are some simple ways to reduce waste. Alternatively, look for foil candy wrappers, which are recyclable, or better yet, for biodegradable wrappers. Homemade snacks are always a hit too, and homemade doesn't have to mean slaving away all day in the kitchen. Check out this recipe Frankenstein Crispies here.

Reusable decorations. You don't need to splurge on new decorations every year. Why not try your hand at making your own? You'll not only be saving some money but you'll be reducing your reliance on single-use plastics. Toilet paper rolls can be your best friend. Gather some paper plates and glue, and let your creativity run wild with the wolves. Instead of electric lights, consider giving solar-powered options a shot. Alternatively, pay a visit to your local thrift store to repurpose and breathe new life into decorations. Our bamboo plates also make excellent bases for Halloween-themed platters and can be used every day.

Utilize reusable bags. There's no need for plastic bags to store the kids' Halloween treats. Why not use a reusable trick-or-treat bag? Grab an old pillowcase (let the kids decorate it themselves) or consider a bobo&boo bowl, which also helps with portion control.

Remember to have fun. While striving for a zero-waste Halloween is admirable, do your best with the resources at hand and encourage those around you to make small changes too. But let's not be THAT lady running around with fruit pieces and a monster of a 'plastics' lecture. Most of all remember to get a bit spooky and enjoy the festivities!