Eco-friendly Halloween craft guide

As we become more aware of our buying habits and what we throw away, it’s easy to become overwhelmed about celebrations, especially if you are a teacher or have children in your house.

So how do you celebrate Halloween while reducing waste?

Fear not! We’ve compiled the following list of easy-to-execute Halloween crafts that are low on waste and high on fun. They are either all or partially recyclable/compostable, and, most of all, don’t include plastic.

We’ve consulted with composting and recycling experts in Chicago to refine our list. If you live outside Chicago, please check with your local services and municipalities.

Keeping crafts eco-friendly

Mixed media crafts can’t be composted or recycled (think yarn, paper, fabric, staples), but parts can be if they’re taken apart. Natural fibers can be commercially composted. Check your local composting and recycling services for specific requirements.
Thick globs of glue pose a problem for recycling. Some glues, like Elmer’s, may be composted with commercial services. Consider stapling, using light amounts or trying a home-made glue concoction.
It’s not just paper: Paper that has crayon, paint or glitter on it cannot be recycled or composted, and colored paper cannot be composted due to the saturation levels of non-organic ink. If shredded paper isn’t allowed in your recycling bins (it’s not in Chicago), then avoid recycling paper scraps. A 2-inch-by-2-inch square is a good rule of thumb.
Sad, but true: Googly eyes are not eco-friendly. Neither is glitter. If you use googly eyes because you already have them on hand, remove them before recycling. Don’t buy new ones. And don’t buy glitter. It’s an environmental nightmare.

Now, onto the fun stuff!