Once the fall festivities fade, millions of pumpkins end up tossed in the trash, but those cheerful orange gourds have plenty of life left in them! 🎃 Every year, it’s estimated that 1 billion pounds of pumpkins are thrown out each year and majority of those end up in the landfill after Halloween in North America alone.
There are simple, sustainable ways to give your pumpkins a second purpose from composting and cooking to feeding wildlife and refreshing your garden soil. With a little creativity, you can enjoy the beauty of fall and keep your celebrations more sustainable.
5 Sustainable Ways to Use Your Pumpkins This Season
Turn it into a Treat
Roast the seeds for a crunchy snack or puree the flesh for soups, muffins, or pumpkin bread.
Natural Planter
Hollow out your pumpkin and use it as a biodegradable planter for fall flowers or herbs. Once it breaks down, it naturally composts.
DIY Pumpkin Candle Holder
Carve out space for a small jar candle or tealight to create cozy, autumnal lighting.
Nourish Your Skin
Pumpkin is rich in vitamins. Blend the flesh with honey or yogurt for a simple, natural face mask.
Compost It
Instead of tossing it in the trash, compost your pumpkin to give nutrients back to the soil (bonus: local farms sometimes accept old pumpkins to feed animals).
Pumpkins are one of fall’s greatest joys and with a little effort, they can also be part of a more sustainable season. Whether you turn them into compost, bake them into a cozy treat, or share them with local wildlife, every action helps keep food waste out of landfills and gives back to the planet.
Did you make a mess? Try Tru Earth’s Stain Remover Stick to get out those seasonal stains.
