trick or treat part 3: green halloween activities
Author: Lindura
October went by faster than a witch on a broomstick. Now that Halloween is right around the corner, I'm still undecided as to how I want to celebrate. It recently dawned on me that I don't want to go to all of the big haunted houses and scary farms my friends want to attend. Not just because I am the most scared of all the scaredy-cats, but because I don't really want to support the large companies that have likely been quite unconcerned by the amount of waste they have created over the past two months.
Not in the mood to go out to a bar or club either? Not really into giving out goodies? Still can’t resist an excuse to celebrate? Not to worry - I’ve found 6 alternative ways to let out your Hallow’s Eve spirit.
Side note: if you happen to be stumped by what “zero waste” goodies to give out that won't be a huge detriment to the environment, we've got you covered in Part 4, tomorrow.
Green Halloween Party
Have your friends over, watch scary movies, and eat package-free snacks with non-disposable dinnerware. Tada! Sounds pretty simple, but it's even simpler when you have ideas for sustainable decor, and bloggers like Kathryn from Going Zero Waste to share some of their Halloween party treats. Creep it real and host a costume competition for the best upcycled costume!
#SquashGoals
Pumpkin Carving is definitely a quintessential Halloween activity, but who says you can't do it on Halloween night itself? You might even want to do it at your Green Halloween Party! Add some friendly competition to the night and see who can carve the best pumpkin in ten minutes or less. That’s what we call #squashgoals. Don’t throw out the guts either. Oil them up, salt them, bake them. Noms.
Campfire
What better way to spend a chilly Halloween night than cuddled around a fire with friends or family? Wrap yourselves in blankets, and sip some homemade cocoa or pumpkin spice latte (PSL) while you tell spooky stories. If you don't have a fireplace at home, you might be able to book a firepit in a local park.
Visit A Farm
Corn mazes and pumpkin farms are a great activity for the whole family, and of course for those of us that don't like to be frightened out of our wits at haunted houses. There are plenty of farms in the GTA that have corn mazes, or other activities such as petting zoos, wagon rides, slides and more. Just remember to bring your reusables so you can enjoy the festive food and drink they might be selling. Bone appetit!
Movie Night
This year, the Toronto Reference library will be screening the 1931 classic Frankenstein on Halloween night. Hot Docs will be showing The Rocky Horror Picture Show. If you want something a little more contemporary, Church Street bar The Drink will be screening episodes of American Horror Story.
Trick-Or-Eat
If you, your kids, or nephews/nieces are set on going door-to-door this Halloween, you can start or join a local Trick-Or-Eat team to collect canned goods instead of candy! The food is donated to local organizations that provide meals for post-secondary students in facing food insecurity. It's a great way to give back to the community while reducing plastic waste!
If You've Got It, Haunt It
These ideas are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Halloween celebrations. Check out the BlogTO calendar for an extensive list of events happening in and around Toronto on October 31st. From Halloween Bingo, karaoke and comedy nights to story readings by famous crime writers, there are plenty of Halloween shenanigans to entertain.
What are you getting up to this Halloween? Know of an event in your community that was not mentioned here? Please drop us a note, we’d love to share the scare and give ‘em pumpkin to talk about!
About the Author: Lindura is a model with a passion for nature, travel, and healthy living. She loves discovering new ways to live waste-free, and was thrilled when her sister introduced her to the Bare Market. She is excited to share her package free journey, and connect with the community as Bare Market blogger. You can follow her and her sister on Instagram @plasticfreeto.