The Scariest Thing About Halloween Costumes is Their Environmental Impact

October brings fall colors, pumpkin-spiced lattes, and of course Halloween. Masks, costumes, and decor come out from the back of the closet to transform people into their favorite characters. Unfortunately, what a lot of us don’t know is that this wonderful holiday comes with its share of climate cons. The clothing industry has turned this joyous festival into a major cause of environmental damage.

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Low-quality manufacturing makes Halloween costumes unsustainable

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Halloween costumes are built to have a short lifespan. Manufacturers use low-quality materials and processes that prioritize cost over durability. This makes the costumes flimsy and prone to tears, discouraging reuse or storage. This leads to overconsumption and massive amounts of textile waste. Consider this: In the UK alone, approximately 30 million people celebrate Halloween, and 90 percent opt for pre-made costumes, which in turn results in over 2,000 tonnes of plastic waste. The math for overconsumption in America, Asia, Europe, or the world is spookier than any costume we can conjure.

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Costumes are made from unsustainable materials

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Another critical element contributing to the environmental woes of Halloween costumes is their excessive use of plastic materials, bringing forth a multitude of adverse ecological effects. A substantial portion of Halloween costumes relies on petroleum-based plastics, which are derived from non-renewable fossil fuels. The production of these materials contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and exacerbates resource depletion. As plastic-based costumes age or deteriorate, they release minuscule plastic particles into the environment. These tiny fragments can infiltrate ecosystems, posing harm to wildlife and potentially entering the human food chain.

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Halloween costumes are not easy to recycle

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Halloween costumes are not designed with recyclability in mind. Costumes often incorporate a mishmash of materials, such as fabrics, zippers, buttons, and plastic embellishments. The intricate combinations make it arduous to separate and recycle the various components effectively. Many regions lack recycling programs or facilities equipped to handle the diverse materials found in Halloween costumes. Consequently, these costumes often meet their end in landfills, contributing to the ever-mounting waste problem.

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Yes, Halloween costumes bring joy, but the way they are made today makes them unsustainable, to say the least. To make this holiday a climate ally, consider reducing excessive consumerism and avoiding unsustainable manufacturers as much as possible. Instead, opt for more sustainable brands, low-waste costumes, or costume swaps. By exercising our power as consumers and prioritizing sustainable consumption, we can reduce the environmental footprint of this beloved holiday tradition. For more tips on sustainability, download Commons and join our community of tens of thousands of people.