Halloween Spending and Its Environmental Impact
This year, Halloween shoppers in the United States are projected to spend over $11 billion on an array of festive items including candy, costumes, and decorations such as gigantic cobwebs, creepy skeletons, and massive inflatable ghouls. However, a significant portion of these products will inevitably find their way into landfills shortly after the festivities conclude.
“It’s definitely morphed over the course of my lifetime into something that generates a lot more waste,” remarked Sabina Magliocco, a professor of anthropology at the University of British Columbia. She humorously reminisced about her favorite Halloween costume, which was when she dressed up as roadkill.
The good news is that there are several strategies to celebrate Halloween in a more sustainable manner. Experts have shared a few valuable tips to help reduce waste during this spooky season.
Beware the Candy Wrappers!
In ancient folk traditions, Halloween marked a time when the boundary between the living and the dead was believed to be particularly thin, allowing spirits to wander the villages of what is now Britain and Ireland. During this time, ancestral ghosts could visit homes, seeking food and drink.
Dr. Magliocco explained that people, uncertain whether these visitors were human or spectral, would offer sustenance generously in order to avoid offending any wandering spirits.
However, the landscape of Halloween underwent a dramatic transformation post-World War II. This holiday evolved into a commercialized and family-friendly celebration. Manufacturers began mass-producing costumes and an array of candy, leading to the rise of themed parties and parades.
As we revel in the spooky spirit, it’s essential to consider the impact of our celebrations and strive towards a more environmentally friendly Halloween.