A monthly column about the world of recycling, diversion and sustainability seen through the eyes of Michelle Metzler, Waste Management, Public Education and Outreach

Bags of candy line the shelves at grocery stores, pumpkins are everywhere you look, and Halloween is right around the corner. October is one of the spookiest and most festive times of year. It can also create a lot of waste. This year, try these earth-friendly tips for a greener Halloween.

Use every part of the pumpkin.

After making jack-o’-lanterns, how about seasoning and toasting the pumpkin seeds for a healthy, tasty snack? The pulp is great for soup, ravioli, or even a pumpkin spice latte with real pumpkin puree.

After Halloween is over, make sure to compost sagging jack-o’-lanterns rather than throwing them away. Just remember to remove any candles or lights before adding pumpkins to your yard waste.

Be smart with candy.

Trick-or-treaters are often told to throw away anything without a wrapper, but homemade candy is a more sustainable option for parties, family, and friends. If you end up buying candy, make sure to buy in bulk to avoid excess packaging waste.

After Halloween, leftover candy can be repurposed in dessert recipes, used as ice cream toppings, mixed with trail mix, or donated to local charities.

Be creative with costumes.

Consider opting for handmade costumes, rather than plastic-heavy store-bought items. Host your own “costume swap,” or create original costumes from pieces found in family and friends’ closets or at Goodwill and other thrift stores. Not only will they be less wasteful, the costumes will be unique and there is no risk of ending up with the same costume as someone else.

For kids who are fans of the recycling truck, there’s a creative, super easy way to make a Waste Management truck costume with an old box. The directions are in a short video which can be found on YouTube by searching “Waste Management Truck Costume.”

Simplify treat bags.

Make or reuse trick-or-treat containers rather than buying new ones. Pillowcases or reusable shopping bags work great, and homemade decorations can make a bag just as festive as a plastic pumpkin. If you already have them, dig out the old containers from previous years.

Recycle decorations.

To cut down on both cost and waste, create your own Halloween decorations from recycled materials. A quick Google or Pinterest search provides endless inspiration for DIY decorations.

If there are essential pieces you must buy, purchase secondhand and be sure to store them for use in future years.

October is also the perfect time for tree planting and outdoor projects in the community.

On Saturday, Oct. 29, join Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust for tree planting at Three Forks Natural Area. Founded in 1991, Mountains to Sound Greenway is working to conserve and enhance the landscape from Seattle across the Cascade Mountains all the way to Central Washington. The greenway includes 1.5 million acres – forests, mountains, grasslands, trails and outdoor classrooms – and Waste Management is actively supporting more than 40 projects over the next two years.

Find more information and sign up in advance at www.mtsgreenway.org.