Sustainable Halloween Costume Ideas: Save Money and Reduce Waste

Long before Halloween, the Celts celebrated Samhain (pronounced "sow-in") by dressing up in animal costumes and lighting fires to ward off spirits. Today, we celebrate Halloween with costumes of all kinds! But let's take a tip from the Celts: they kept things simple and resourceful. This Halloween, let’s follow their lead and choose sustainable costumes that are good for our planet and our wallets.

Benefits of Less-Waste Costumes for Halloween

Choosing zero-waste costumes is a win for our planet and future generations! The fashion industry, especially during Halloween, contributes significantly to pollution. Going zero-waste reduces waste and minimizes the demand for new materials. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to get creative, personalize your Halloween look and save money! It’s more than just a costume; it’s a commitment to a greener world!

Zero-Waste Costume Ideas to Try This Halloween

Face Painting: Check out Pinterest for inspiration or ask a friend with face-painting skills. Simple designs can transform your look without extra materials.
Thrifted Costumes: Browse for secondhand costumes at Goodwill, Salvation Army, Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, garage sales, or even Nextdoor.
Borrow and Swap: Have family or friends with kids? Ask if they have costumes from past Halloweens that your child can wear.
Costume Rentals: A quick Google search for costume rentals will show options in your area, letting you return the costume instead of adding it to your closet.
Use What You Have: Totally free! Just get creative. Become even more creative with recycled materials.

Tips for Thrifted Halloween Costumes

Clean Thoroughly: Wash any costume with soap and warm water.
Check Sizing: Ensure the costume fits or can be adjusted easily.
Safe Exchanges: If meeting to pick up a thrifted costume, meet in a safe, public space.
Secure Payments: Use reliable payment methods like PayPal.
Shop Early: Early bird shoppers get the best picks!

DIY Costume Ideas for a Fun and Green Halloween

Classic Mummy: Wrap yourself up in old cloth strips or repurpose bedsheets for a DIY mummy costume. Pair with some black face paint around the eyes for a haunting look. This costume is simple, spooky, and easy to pull together with items you likely already have.
Vintage Witch on a Broom: Channel classic Halloween vibes with a witch hat, a cozy sweater, and pants for a timeless look. Use an old broom as a prop, and you’re all set. This style is comfortable, cute, and perfect for a minimalist approach.
Ghosts with a Twist: Use a plain white sheet for a quick and easy ghost costume, and add sunglasses for a playful touch. This classic look is perfect for families or couples who want a matching, low-waste costume idea.
Alien or Green Bug Outfit: Use a headband and DIY pom-pom antennas (try cotton balls, crumpled paper, or even bottle caps if you don’t have pom-poms) and wear all-green clothes.
Favorite TV Show Character: Represent a character from your favorite TV show with reusable merch! For example, I found a "Banana Stand" apron and onesies inspired by Arrested Development on Amazon.
Disney Diva: Channel Lilo Pelekai with a Hawaiian dress or try Snow White with a blue top, yellow skirt, and red lipstick—clothes you can wear again!
Farmer Look: Jeans, a flannel shirt, and a straw hat make for a simple, cozy costume.
Slavic Tracksuit Style: Zip into an Adidas tracksuit for a funny, laid-back costume.

The key? Use what you have or buy items you’ll actually use again!

Create a Halloween That’s Kind to Your Skin, Wallet, and Planet

From fires to floods, our planet has had a tough year. Let’s keep Halloween fun and earth-friendly. Wear a used costume or create something from reusable pieces—even if it’s mismatched, it’ll add humor and be a great conversation starter. Fast fashion costumes are often made from cheap, itchy materials and contribute to pollution. By repurposing what we already own, we save money and avoid waste, while keeping Halloween both fun and meaningful.