Let’s make this Halloween greener

5 Sustainable Ways to Use Your Halloween Pumpkins

Each year in the UK, around 18,000 tonnes of pumpkins are thrown away after Halloween, but most of that could be avoided. When pumpkins end up in landfill, they decompose without oxygen and release methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Methane is particularly harmful because it’s about 28 times more powerful than CO₂ at trapping heat in the atmosphere over a 100-year period, making landfill food waste a major contributor to climate change. Here are five simple, sustainable ways to make sure your pumpkin doesn’t go to waste.

1. Eat it: The flesh and seeds are edible! Try making soup, curry, pie, or roasted snacks.

2. Freeze it: Cook and cube your pumpkin, then freeze it in airtight containers for up to six months.

3. Donate it: Many farms, animal sanctuaries, and community composting schemes accept leftover pumpkins. Remove any candles or paint first.

4. Compost it: Cut into small pieces and add to your food waste bin or compost heap.

5. Grow your own: Save and dry some seeds to plant next spring for next year’s pumpkins.

Let’s make this Halloween greener! Eat those pumpkins, freeze them, donate them, compost or grow them. No waste.