Halloween costumes are supposed to be scary – but the scariest thing we’ve heard today is that some costumes sold in the UK contain the equivalent of 83 million plastic bottles.
Not good news for the planet.
As we all make efforts to ditch excessive plastic and make our lifestyles more sustainable, that shouldn’t all go out the window just because it’s Halloween.
There are plenty of ways to make sure your spooky holiday is as eco-friendly as possible – and your first port of call should be your costume.
Instead of reaching for a plastic Frankenstein mask, vampire fangs or witchy fingers – this year why not try a little harder to make your creepy look plastic-free.
It’s not as hard as you might think. Here are some super-easy, sustainable costume ideas that you can whip up in no time.
Mummy
It’s a classic, lazy last-minute option – and there’s no plastic in sight.
Start from your ankles and wind yourself up in toilet paper from head-to-toe.
If you think you might be a bit nippy (even the 4-ply, quilted luxury stuff might not protect you from the elements) wear black leggings and a tight black top underneath.
Remember to leave a few bits hanging off and maybe smear some dirt around your arms to give you that just-climbed-out-of-a-tomb authenticity.
Ghost
Another simple classic, the ghost costume couldn’t be easier.
All you need is a sheet and a pair of scissors. Cut some eye holes, dump the sheet over your head, and you’re literally done.
No plastic here. And plenty of spook-appeal. Make sure you work on your creepy ‘Oooooooo’ to help you properly get into character.
Librarian
Got some old books lying around? And a pair of glasses? Bingo – your librarian outfit is complete.
You can make your librarian look like they’ve just been attacked by a werewolf by ripping up your clothes and smattering fake blood all over yourself.
And don’t say nothing scary happens in libraries – have none of you watched Buffy?
Pirate
This one may take a bit more of a rummage through your wardrobe or a local charity shop, but all you need is some baggy trousers or shorts, a white shirt, a big belt and an eye-patch (which you can make with cardboard and string).
For the extra touches that really make a pirate, think about crafting your own accessories.
A sword can be fashioned from old cereal boxes and silver paint. And keep your eye out for a stuffed parrot toy that you could tie to your shoulder.
And don’t forget your giant gold hoops – you knew they would come in handy again one day.
Skeleton
All you need for this one is white paint (bonus if you can find glow-in-the-dark paint).
Start with an all-black outfit that you’re happy to ruin. Try to use old clothes or charity shop clothes, rather than buying something new for cheap.
Lay it all out on the ground and paint bones in the shape of a skeleton along the front. The knee bone’s connected to the shin bone… etc.
Black cat
If you’ve got a lot of eyeliner – you’re basically sorted for this one.
Simply dress all in black, then take your pencil or liquid eyeliner and draw on a black nose and whiskers.
A tail can be half a pair of tights stuffed with cotton wool and fastened with a safety pin.
Make ears out of black and pink card and staple them to a simple black headband. Purrrfect.
Mario and Luigi
The perfect Halloween double-act for your partner or your bestie to get involved with.
All you need to make this look work is a couple of pairs of dungarees, one bright red T shirt and one bright green T shirt, and your trusty eyeliner to draw on a pair of mustaches. Bonus points for matching blue caps.
And you’ll be adventure-seeking, Italian plumbers in no time.
Regina George
We all love a Mean Girls costume. So any excuse – we’re going to jump at it.
We have already written about the best Mean Girls Halloween costumes, but this is our favourite, sustainable option – and it’s really simple.
All you need is a colourful bra and a white vest. Cut two holes just where your boobs are and boom – you’re ready to set a new trend in your high school.
If people don’t get the reference, that’s on them.
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