Image for How to make a Halloween costume that won’t spook the planet

How to make a Halloween costume that won’t spook the planet

With 7m Halloween costumes ending up in the bin in 2016, Abi Arden of environmental campaign charity Hubbub shares her top tips for a spooktacular costume that won’t cost the earth

With 7m Halloween costumes ending up in the bin in 2016, Abi Arden of environmental campaign charity Hubbub shares her top tips for a spooktacular costume that won’t cost the earth

An estimated 39 million people in the UK dressed up for Halloween last year, spending a total of £510m on costumes alone.

With 7m Halloween costumes ending up in the bin in 2016, here are our top tips for a spooktacular Halloween this autumn that saves you money and won’t harm the planet.

Discover a world of inspiration Subscribe to Positive News magazine

1) Bring your outfit back from the dead

If you’ve got it, haunt it. Uncover the skeletons in your closet and re-wear an old outfit. This is a faboolous alternative to buying a Halloween costume in a shop.

2) Have some skele-fun by upcycling old costumes

Get old-skool spooky and patch your costume together from things you already have in the house. Below are some quick and easy step-by-step guides to making a bat and a skeleton costume as instructed by craft blogger Mum In The Madhouse. See full making instructions and guides for a cat, ghost and wizard here.

How to make a DIY skeleton costume

How to make a DIY bat costume

3) Share the magic with a Halloween costume swap

Do a costume swap with friends or through a local Facebook group, community centre or school. Bring out that outfit from last year and exchange it for a new one. Share a photo of you and your friends in your new costume online with #SewSpooky and be #SquadGhouls.

Carving up a storm this Halloween?

Are you carving a pumpkin this year? Lots of people don’t think of pumpkins as a vegetable, but they are, and they’re delicious. Don’t forget to eat your pumpkin guts and help cut food waste. Check out the Hubbub #PumpkinRescue campaign and get a taste of Halloween with our collection of #FoodSavvy pumpkin recipes here.

Happy Halloween!

Read more about the #PumpkinRescue campaign here 

Tips for a more sustainable Halloween

You’re the solution that Positive News needs

Our small, dedicated team is passionate about building a better alternative to the negative news media. And there’s never been a greater urgency to our mission. 

To invest in producing all the solutions journalism that the world is longing for, we need funding. We’re asking readers like you to get behind us by making a regular or one-off contribution as a Positive News supporter. Please back our team today and, together, we’ll change the news for good.