Eco-group urges public to have a plastic-free, waste-free Halloween

CEBU, Philippines —  An environmental group is urging the public to have a plastic-free and waste-free Halloween celebration by avoiding spending on decorations, costumes for the occasion, among others.

The EcoWaste Coalition released some practical tips on how to adopt ways to minimize, if not eliminate, spending and wasting during the upcoming celebration.

“We hope Halloween event organizers and participants will take steps to prevent and reduce spending and trash for the parade or party being planned,” said Jove Benosa, Zero Waste Campaigner, EcoWaste Coalition.

Benosa added that as times are tough, “we can cut on ‘Hallowcost’ by not spending for things we can do without and avoid ‘Hallowaste’ by not creating waste in the first place.”

Other tips to minimize plastic usage and minimizing waste include avoiding Halloween face paints and make-up kits, especially those sold without proper authorization and labeling information and substitute plastic pumpkin buckets with repurposed bandannas, handkerchiefs and pillow cases as containers for Halloween treats.

More tips include refraining from putting Halloween treats in single-use plastic “labo” or plastic sando bags; going beyond candies as a Halloween staple; avoid balloons for Halloween parades and parties, and never let balloons go in the air to prevent litter, which can harm the environment, especially wildlife; and avoid using plastic utensils if one is throwing a Halloween party.

“We invite Halloween event organizers to think of other ways to avoid ‘Hallowcost’ and ‘Hallowaste’.  Halloween need not make a hole in the wallet or create a monster out of trash,” Benosa added.

In the coming days, the Coalition said that they will promote waste prevention and reduction tips in cemeteries in anticipation of the army of people who will be visiting their departed loved ones. — GMR (FREEMAN)