Have a green(er) Halloween

With Halloween just around the corner and preparations in full swing, we're is asking residents to think green when it comes to Halloween.

A new climate change blog post is now live on the website detailing how Halloween fans can enjoy a frightful time that is less scary for the planet.

Hints and tips include buying second hand or swapping Halloween costumes or making them at home. Making Halloween decorations at home using cardboard boxes and other recyclable things; hosting an eco-friendly (or fiendly) party and what to do with left over pumpkins.

Councillor Chris McEwan, cabinet member for economy, said:

“Halloween is a great fun time for family and friends, but it can be scary in terms of plastic waste and food waste. Whilst we don’t want to be party poopers, we’re spreading the word that there are ways to enjoy the night without it costing the Earth – literally.

“For example, did you know, seven million costumes are thrown away each year in the UK and 15 million pumpkins are binned every Halloween. Check out our climate change blog for more details of how you can enjoy a greener Halloween and help us on our journey to carbon neutral by 2040.”

More details of our work to become carbon neutral by 2040, along with the climate change blog posts, can be found at: www.darlington.gov.uk/sustainable

We have made a pledge to become carbon neutral by 2040. This pledge covers all service areas, and our aims to encourage residents and businesses to join it on our journey towards a greener and more sustainable future. More details are available at: www.darlington.gov.uk/sustainable