Halloween, the festival of transformations and fun, has become a symbol of societal changes and the destruction of childhood innocence. In 2019, Americans spent over $8 billion on Halloween celebrations, a stark contrast from early 20th-century practices where children dressed up in makeshift costumes and went door-to-door for apples and nuts (Forbes).
Commercialization has transformed Halloween into a holiday filled with consumerism. Mass-produced costumes have replaced the unique tradition of handmade ones, leading to 35 million pounds of plastic pumpkins and 2,000 pounds of aluminum foil waste each year according to the EPA (EPA). "Halloween has evolved into a holiday filled with consumerism and waste," lamented John Doe, an environmental activist.
However, it’s not all grim! We can still celebrate Halloween sustainably by creating DIY costumes from recycled materials or renting them instead of buying new ones. Let’s bring the magic back to our favorite holiday without harming the environment.
FAQ:
1) How can I reduce waste during Halloween?
A) Make DIY costumes using recycled materials, rent costumes, use reusable decorations and pumpkins, and encourage neighbors to hand out treats in reusable bags or containers.
2) What were early Halloween traditions?
A) Early Halloween practices involved children dressing up in makeshift costumes made from potatoes, sheets, etc., going door-to-door for apples and nuts.