Halloween as we know it now isn't how our ancestors celebrated it for centuries. Spookily, this terrifying tradition can be traced back to the ancient Celts who believed that the door between this world and the next was opened for spirits to pass through. YIKES.
• Yankee Candle launches limited-edition Halloween candle, Pumpkin Patch🎃
We're not sure what Halloween is going to look like this year, but it's usually about dressing up as the coolest monster or film character, and as an outright excuse to party.
Don’t get me wrong, I love this time of year as much as the next person. But, what I don’t like is how much single-use plastic is used. From terrifying masks to balloons and all the sweets, your use of plastic for this holiday can spiral out of control.
Not sure how to swap out your go-to plastic pumpkins for something more environmentally friendly? Don’t worry, here are three quick tips to help you have a plastic-free Halloween.
1 Let’s get crafty
A bit of DIY never hurt anybody. If you’re not the most creative person, then if you cut-out (say some creepy spiders) and they don’t turn out quite right - no problem! It’ll just look a bit abstract and only add to the horror.
2 Don’t throw it out
If you have an old plastic pumpkin lying around in your garage don’t throw it out. Upcycle it and use it as part of your dinner table centrepiece. Think a little out of the box and gather twigs from your back garden, before adding beautiful flowers and knitting some ghastly creatures to complete the look.
3 Forget the plastic cutlery sets
It’s party time! Plastic cutlery isn't your only option for feeding the masses and stopping little goblins getting food everywhere. How about you go for gruesome finger food instead? If your not a fan of a buffet, borrow cutlery from your family and friends.
Want more inspiration on the best accessories for a plastic-free Halloween? Here are some of the best decorations, gifts and useful Halloween gizmos you need to add to your shopping list right now.
The best accessories for a plastic-free Halloween
1 of 9Set of Three White Ceramic Skulls
Spooky items aren't just for Halloween. Instead of having regular (boring) plant pots, pop your succulents in these eerie ones. Plus, if you're not big on tacky decorations, this is a fantastic nod to the time of year.
2 of 9Halloween Cookie Cutter Set
If your hosting a party for all the ghouls and ghosts you know, then be mindful with the food that you choose. Instead of having bowls of sweets dotted around, switch it up with some home-made biscuits. These Halloween cookie cutters will allow you to bake terrifying bats, cats and witches' hats.
3 of 9Lush Halloween Goodies
From bath bombs to bubble bars and shower slime, Lush has everything to get you in the Halloween spirit. Lots of the products don't have plastic packaging yay! And, our favourites are the Bewitched Bubble Bar, Punkin Pumpkin Bath Bomband Monsters' Ball Bath Bomb.
4 of 9Whaline Four Pack Halloween Tote Bags
Do you usually buy a cute plastic pumpkin for your little monsters to put all their sweets in while trick or treating? Opt for a tote bag instead. You can still buy one with a cute print on it and they'll be able to take it to school or away with them on a break to see nanny and grandad.
5 of 9Pyropet Voffi
I was lucky enough to bag myself one of these puppies and I can tell you right now, they're out of this world. It's the perfect gimmick for Halloween. Simply light the wick and watch as the wax melts away to reveal a metal skeleton. Creepy right? If you're giving this away as a gift, make sure you tell them to burn it on a plate as the wax oozes out everywhere.
6 of 9200 Halloween Paper Straws
This Halloween swap plastic straws for spooky-themed paper straws. Serve them alongside creepy cocktails and chilling soft drinks. Miniature ghouls and goblins can also use these straws, just cut them down to size.
7 of 9Coffin plant pot
Instead of buying something that'll only be used one time or once a year, treat yourself to this horrifying coffin plant pot. This will fit in with your gothic interior and look terrifyingly-good all year round. Add a spooky cactus or two, and you'll be ready to display.
8 of 9Nutley's Hessian Potato Sack (Pack of 5)
You might be scratching your head at this one – but bear with! Are you throwing a dinner party? A great way to store your food and keep within the Halloween theme is using these reusable potato sacks. Don't let its name put you off… It isn't just for storing potatoes.
9 of 9Veraing Hanging Ghost Halloween Decoration
Forget the bone-chilling skeleton, these cackling witches are perfect for making your home a little spooky. Not only are they age-appropriate for young children, but you could also say that these are adorable, especially as they're all smiling.
Lily Anderson is a writer at Bauer Media, where she tests products for titles such as Heat, Closer, What’s the Best and Mother&Baby.
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