The Skeptical Biologist

The Environmental Impact of Halloween: Food Waste, Energy Consumption, and Plastic Pollution

Halloween won’t destroy our traditions this year either, but it probably isn’t doing our environment much good.

Halloween, a celebration deeply rooted in cultural and historical traditions, has evolved into a global commercial phenomenon. Every year, millions of people participate in festivities that include pumpkin carving, extravagant decorations, and elaborate lighting displays. While these traditions bring joy to many, they also contribute to a significant environmental footprint. Specifically, food waste from decorative pumpkins, energy consumption from festive lighting, and plastic waste from costumes and decorations are major environmental concerns linked to Halloween.

Food Waste: The Case of Carved Pumpkins

Each year, millions of pumpkins are grown specifically for Halloween. In the United States alone, an estimated 589,670 tons of pumpkins are produced annually, with a significant portion ending up as food waste after being used for decoration. To put this into perspective, imagine three cruise ships filled with pumpkins.

The environmental impact of this food waste is considerable. Pumpkins are typically thrown into landfills, where they decompose anaerobically, releasing methane—a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Methane is about 25 times more effective at trapping heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide over a 100-year period. Since food waste accounts for 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, discarding pumpkins after Halloween exacerbates the climate crisis.

Additionally, growing pumpkins requires water, fertilizers, and energy. The resources used for cultivation and the carbon footprint associated with their distribution are often overlooked. Pumpkins are harvested in large quantities, transported to retailers, and then taken home by consumers. This supply chain consumes energy and generates emissions, adding to the overall environmental cost.

Are there ways to reduce this food waste? Pumpkins are a versatile food source, rich in nutrients like vitamin A and fiber. After Halloween, they can be repurposed into pies, soups, and other dishes. Alternatively, composting them reduces methane emissions compared to landfill decomposition. However, current consumer practices favor disposal over reuse or composting.

Energy Consumption: Halloween Lighting

Halloween has increasingly become a visually spectacular event, with homes and neighborhoods adorned with elaborate lighting displays and inflatable decorations. While these add to the festive atmosphere, they also significantly increase energy consumption.

The surge in lighting use during Halloween can lead to temporary spikes in electricity demand, especially in areas where elaborate decorations are common. In the U.S., festive lighting is estimated to add 6.6 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity consumption annually.

The environmental impact of this increased electricity use largely depends on the energy sources in a given region. Logically, fossil fuel-based electricity has a much greater impact than renewable energy sources. However, even if renewable energy is used, excessive lighting still contributes to overall energy consumption, putting pressure on power grids and increasing carbon emissions.

To reduce Halloween’s environmental footprint, people can opt for LED lights, which are more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs. Additionally, using timers for decorations or limiting high-energy-consuming displays can help cut down on electricity usage during the holiday.

Plastic Pollution: Decorations and Costumes

Another major environmental issue associated with Halloween is the widespread use of plastic in decorations, costumes, and accessories. Many Halloween costumes, props, and decorations are made from single-use plastics or materials that are difficult to recycle. From inflatable skeletons to synthetic fabric costumes, most Halloween items are used briefly and then discarded.

Plastic pollution presents a twofold problem. First, producing plastic materials requires large amounts of fossil fuels, contributing to carbon emissions and the depletion of non-renewable resources. Second, when plastic products are discarded, they often end up in landfills or oceans, where they can persist for hundreds of years. Plastics don’t biodegrade; instead, they break down into microplastics, which can contaminate soil and water systems, posing a threat to wildlife and ecosystems.

Even the most stunning Halloween costumes—those that might win you the “Best Costume 2024” award—have a dark side. The throwaway culture associated with Halloween contributes to the growing problem of textile waste, with synthetic fabrics like polyester releasing microplastics into the environment as they degrade.

Plastic-based decorations and props are also a major issue. Many of these products are designed for a single season and then discarded. Even reusable decorations, which may seem like a more sustainable choice, can still contribute to plastic pollution if they are made from non-recyclable materials.

To minimize the environmental impact of Halloween costumes and decorations, people can choose sustainable alternatives. Costumes can be made from natural or recycled materials, and decorations can be crafted from biodegradable or reusable materials. Renting costumes, reusing old ones, or participating in costume swaps can also help reduce waste.

What About Italy?

In Italy, Halloween has gained popularity only in the past few decades, but its environmental impact is already significant. One of the most visible effects is food waste from decorative pumpkins, which are increasingly used for ornamental purposes during this time. According to Coldiretti, in 2022, Italy produced around 35,000 tons of pumpkins, with a large portion used for decoration rather than food. Since many of these pumpkins are discarded after Halloween without being repurposed or composted, this results in a significant waste of resources, including the energy and water needed for cultivation.

Regarding energy consumption, the use of Halloween decorative lighting is rising, especially in major cities. While there are no specific data for Halloween, we know that Christmas lighting can add up to 2.7 million kWh of electricity consumption in Italy. It’s reasonable to assume that Halloween, with its increasing use of decorative lights, also contributes to higher energy consumption—albeit to a lesser extent than Christmas.

Finally, plastic waste is also an issue in Italy, where approximately 5 million tons of plastic waste are generated each year. Many Halloween costumes and decorations are made of single-use plastics or synthetic materials that are difficult to recycle. Waste management remains a growing challenge in Italy, with only 43% of plastic being recycled, according to ISPRA. The remaining 57% ends up in landfills or is incinerated, leading to air and marine pollution. Implementing new practices such as reusing costumes and decorations or choosing more sustainable materials could significantly reduce Halloween’s environmental impact in Italy.

Final Thoughts: Can We Make Halloween More Sustainable?

Every year, the amount of pumpkins wasted during Halloween could fill nearly three massive cruise ships! Imagine a fleet of pumpkin-laden ships sinking into the ocean of waste. But we don’t have to board this “environmental Titanic”—a few small, sustainable choices can make a big difference.

How about eating your carved pumpkins in a delicious soup, using reusable decorations, or switching to LED lights to save energy? With a little effort, we can reduce Halloween’s environmental impact, enjoy the holiday, and help protect the planet.

Sources:

• Coldiretti. “Halloween: Zucche per 35 mila tonnellate, boom di richieste.” Coldiretti, 2022.
• ANSA. “Luci di Natale, bolletta energetica pesa 2,7 mln di kWh.” ANSA, 2021.
• Legambiente. “Rapporto Rifiuti Speciali: in Italia 5 milioni di tonnellate di rifiuti plastici prodotti ogni anno.” Legambiente, 2022.
• ISPRA (Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale). “Rapporto Rifiuti Urbani.” ISPRA, 2022.