Did you know that Halloween is one of the biggest contributors to fashion waste each year? From costumes worn just once to endless accessories and decorations, this spooky season generates a frightening amount of waste. Think back to all the costumes you’ve worn over the years - how many of them did you ever wear again? Halloween’s fast fashion culture creates a cycle of buy, wear once, and discard, making it a hauntingly wasteful holiday for our planet.
Around 2,079 tons of halloween costume waste are sent to landfills each year. Even with clothing recycling programs, less than 1% of materials are recycled into new clothing. Consumers often don't realize that most halloween costumes are made of polyester which is a plastic, which takes years to break down in landfills. And, with an estimated 35 million costumes thrown out each year in the US, it is important to learn how to properly dispose of halloween costumes to minimize this waste.
How to limit your halloween waste
Despite the spooky facts surrounding halloween costume waste, there are ways to limit how much waste you contribute this halloween.
Reuse your costumes
Repurposing your costume is one of the simplest ways to cut down on Halloween waste. If you’re planning to go as a black cat this year but last year’s costume was a dark fairy, make use of the black clothing or accessories you already have! Think about small tweaks or DIY touches that can make an outfit feel fresh. Reuse doesn’t mean wearing the exact costume again but finding ways to reinvent it for a new character each year.
Donate your costumes
If you’re not planning on using your costume again, consider donating it! Many local community centers and thrift stores accept costumes that others can enjoy. Alternatively, look online for costume swap groups or donation drives dedicated to Halloween. Passing your costume on ensures it has a second life and reduces the need for new, single-use costumes to be manufactured.
Rent your costumes
Costume rentals are a fantastic way to limit waste while still enjoying a fun, fresh look. Renting allows you to switch things up without the commitment of purchasing, and it keeps costumes in circulation rather than adding to closet clutter. Platforms like rax make it easy to either find costume pieces you need or put your own costumes up for others to rent. By renting, you can save money, space, and reduce your environmental impact!
DIY
Get creative with DIY options using what’s already in your closet or around your home. Sometimes the best costumes are the ones you pull together yourself!Homemade costumes are not only unique but also help limit the environmental cost of fast fashion and single-use items (and are better on your wallet!).
However you decide to celebrate, these simple steps can make a huge impact on reducing Halloween costume waste. Have fun getting creative with your eco-friendly costume choices this year. Happy Halloween! 🎃👻
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