Halloween is a highlight of autumn, bursting with spooky creativity and seasonal fun. But behind the cobwebs and costumes, it can also be a festival of waste – from single-use plastics to uneaten pumpkins. This year, Cornwall Wildlife Trust is challenging us all to celebrate more sustainably.

Did you know that around 90% of Halloween costumes contain plastic? Even more frightening: an estimated 7 million costumes are binned after October 31. Rather than buying something new, why not get creative?

Consider raiding your wardrobe and crafting your own spooky look. Charity shops or online second-hand clothing stores are a great place to find affordable materials. Face paint also makes a great alternative to plastic masks and accessories.

8 million pumpkins are thrown away every year after Halloween in the UK.(Image: Lauren Heather)

A shocking 8 million pumpkins are thrown away every year after Halloween in the UK. But pumpkins are very tasty. The flesh can be turned into warming soups, pies, or pumpkin-spiced bakes. The seeds can be roasted to make a tasty, nutritious snack. And if you’re feeling green-fingered, save a few seeds to grow your own next year.

If you do decide to throw away your pumpkin, don’t leave it in the woods for wildlife to eat. Hedgehogs can suffer from upset stomachs and dehydration if they eat pumpkin – which can be fatal, especially as they prepare for hibernation. Rotting pumpkins can also spread disease in natural habitats. Instead, compost your leftovers or add them to your food waste bin.

Cornwall is home to twelve bat species(Image: Dale Sutton)

Have a batty time

Something thrilling flutters through our garden every so often—a greater horseshoe bat on a moonlit mission. Here in Cornwall, we’re lucky enough to host 12 breeding bat species out of the UK's 17!

Want to spot one? Keep your eyes peeled at dusk. They love a dramatic entrance—gliding over water, down quiet lanes, or through woodland clearings. You might also notice some tell-tale signs of their nightlife: look for dusty droppings or discarded insect wings in places where they rest, emerge and feed.

(Image: Cornwall Wildlife Trust)

Shop til’ you drop

At this time of year, the more organised among us will be starting to look ahead to the Christmas season. Why not give gifts that also help to create a Cornwall where nature thrives this year?

The Cornwall Wildlife Trust shop is stocked up and ready to inspire you. From cards to clothing, we have lots of options to get your shopping started. Cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/shop