ECO-FRIENDLY WAYS TO GET RID OF LEFTOVER HALLOWEEN PUMPKINS

Matt Case - November 2nd - 7:26am PDT 

Carving pumpkins is a quintessential Halloween tradition enjoyed by many across the United States, lighting up doorsteps and guiding trick-or-treaters on their festive journey. However, the holiday leaves behind a staggering 1.3 billion pounds of pumpkins that end up in landfills, contributing to waste and greenhouse gas emissions.

To mitigate the environmental impact, there are several eco-friendly alternatives to dispose of Halloween pumpkins:

Composting: A sustainable option is to add your pumpkin to a compost pile, which not only reduces waste but also provides an opportunity to harvest the seeds for roasting or planting for the next season. Cutting the pumpkin into smaller pieces accelerates its decomposition in the compost.

Burying: Without access to a compost heap, chopping up the pumpkin and burying it in the garden serves as an effective alternative.

Cooking: For uncarved pumpkins, a variety of culinary options are available, from creating a savory soup, cooking slices in an air fryer, to baking it into muffins or a pie.

Donating: Some animal shelters and rescues accept pumpkin donations as a food source for animals.

Creating a Bird Feeder: Transforming the pumpkin into a natural bird feeder provides a food source for wildlife, attracting species such as cardinals and blue jays.

These options not only prevent pumpkins from ending up in landfills but also contribute to a circular economy, encouraging responsible disposal and recycling practices. As the Halloween season concludes, adopting these eco-friendly practices is a step toward a more sustainable and environmentally conscious celebration.