Candies with Compostable or Recyclable Wrappers
With a little forethought, you can choose treats that are both yummy and safe for the environment. Alter Ego and Seattle Chocolate both sell Halloween goodies wrapped in compostable packaging. Many larger companies, like Mars, are working on releasing popular candies with compostable wrappers soon.
Other excellent options are candies wrapped in recyclable foil-like Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and those packaged in recyclable cardboard boxes like Dots, Nerds, Junior Mints, and Milk Duds.
When you go to buy your Halloween candy, remember to bring your reusable bag and pass on the printed receipt.
Homemade Treats
If you and your neighbors feel comfortable with each other, you might consider making your own treats and packaging them in a reusable bag or compostable paper bags. Bulk candy is just as good as the fun-size packaged varieties, but is often cheaper and can be packaged more sustainably. You could also make Rice Krispie Treats, cookies, or zucchini bread to hand out to the neighborhood kids.
Healthy Treats
Think outside the box of sweets, and you might consider giving out fruit, vegetables, or packages of nuts or seeds. Be mindful of potential peanut allergies.
Beverages
An often-overlooked treat is a refreshing beverage that can quench the thirst of trick-or-treaters and help them avoid sugar headaches. Consider handing out bottles of water, juice boxes, or cans of sparkling water in recyclable bottles and cans.
Non-Food Treats
Of course, you don’t have to hand out edible treats at all. Pens, pencils, crayons, erasers, books, and temporary tattoos are all excellent treats that will be put to good use. You could also give out some grow-your-own seed packets and kits to encourage the neighbor kids to get into gardening by growing their own winter-hearty greens and herbs.
Have a Happy, Sustainable Halloween
It’s within your power to reduce or eliminate the scattered candy wrappers and trash bins full of one-time-use Halloween decorations this year. There are dozens of ways you can cut back on waste and choose more sustainable Halloween decorations, traditions, and treats.
Share your favorite sustainable Halloween ideas below!