Zombies and vampires aren’t the only Halloween fright. The amount of waste generated by a single-use costume is enough to give a ghoul a jump scare.
Read on to learn how you can reduce your Halloween footprint and level up your costume game.
The Problem with Halloween Waste
In 2024 alone, American shoppers spent $3.8 billion on Halloween costumes.
When the holiday is over, thousands of superhero suits and accessories end up in the landfill.
Most Halloween costumes are made of non-recyclable plastic. These synthetic costumes can take decades to break down as they leach chemicals into the natural environment.
Rent a Costume
You don’t need new threads to craft a great costume.
There are several costume shops around San Diego where you can rent one for the day. Look here on WasteFreeSD.org to find a location near you.
Participate in a Costume Drive
Do you have costumes of the past buried in the back of your closet?
You can organize a costume drive in your community or search for one near you. You can also participate in I Love A Clean San Diego’s costume drive.
Bring a costume into our office, and we will get it back into the community through one of our swaps. Attend the Spring Valley swap to find yourself a new costume.
Thrift and DIY
Thrift stores receive a surplus of Halloween inventory this time of year. Check out your local thrift for accessories, costumes and props.
Previously owned overalls, a white shirt or leather pants can be a great costume staple. Think Minions, a character from Grease or even a scarecrow with a fun hat.
If you do buy new, opt for pieces you will wear again and natural fibers. Organic cotton, hemp and silk options leave less impact on the environment.
What to Do with your Costume After Halloween
Once Halloween is over, don’t let your perfectly good costume go to waste. Repurpose it as a new everyday piece in your wardrobe, bring it to a donation center or pass it down to a friend.
For many of us, Halloween is an iconic and joyful holiday. Follow these tips to transform this holiday into a sustainable celebration for everyone.
