While one of the most fun holidays of the year, the one night of the year that falls around Halloween, can sometimes be expensive, wasteful, and harmful to the planet. But it doesn’t have to be. Here are some simple yet eerie-sistable tips on how to avoid the environmental cost of the spookiest season…
Washing and Carving the Pumpkin
The most important part of Halloween: Pumpkin carving. First things first, buying pumpkins in an ethical way. For the lowest carbon footprint, head to a local pumpkin patch and if possible, go for an organically grown one. Now onto using Dr. Bronner’s eco-friendly Magic Liquid Soap (starting from £9.69). We’d recommend opting for an autumnal scent and seasonal coloured bottle to get you in the mood, try citrus, tea tree or eucalyptus. Washing a pumpkin will keep it from drying out, prolong its life and make it easier to carve. After removing the insides, mix 1 tbsp of your preferred scent with 1 litre of water and pour into a clean spray bottle. Lightly spray the inside of the pumpkin to slow the decomposition process and significantly extend its life. Don’t forget to use the insides for soups, breads, pies and for extra zero-waste points, roast the pumpkin seeds with a dash of oil and salt for a healthy snack. Once Halloween has been and gone, if possible, be sure to compost pumpkins or pop them in the food waste bin.
Care for your (Fake) Tattoos
Who doesn’t love a stick-on tattoo around Halloween time? Just like permanent tattoos, it’s important to wash and care for fake tattoos in the correct way, especially to ensure they last the night. Dr. Bronner’s has long been prized for tattoo aftercare and stick-on designs are no different. Applying the Organic Lip Balm (RRP £3.99) over the tattoo will ensure it stays bright all night and thanks to the coconut oil and jojoba oil, it is an effective moisturiser that’s gentle on the skin, keeping the tattoo in place. The avocado and olive oils in the balm also help keep the skin smooth and supple while evening out any bumps from (what can be a tricky) application. Once the fun’s over and it’s time to clean the fake tattoos off, removal works best with the Baby Unscented Liquid Soap (starting from £9.69) as it doesn’t irritate the skin. Once the area is dry, go in again with the organic balm to soften the area.
Removing Make Up
Deeply cleanse skin and remove spooky looks using the AlmondMagic Soap (RRP from £9.69). Cutting through thick make up and body paint, the soap cleans out pores and removes keratin make up effectively, without damaging the skin. It’s so good that it has even been approved by Broadway actress Rachel Tucker who starred in Wicked and used the soap every single night to remove her green body paint!
How to use: Wet the face and body, lather several drops of your chosen Castile Soap fragrance into hands (Baby Unscented, Almond, Rose and Peppermint are our favourites). Then, massage into skin in gentle motions and rinse off with warm water. Repeat step for really stubborn paint!
Organic Toothbrushing Post Sugar Rush
Trick or treating or not, most people are sure to be feasting on some Halloween treats one way or another on this spooky night. While (very) enjoyable at the time, it’s no secret that sugar can be damaging towards the teeth. Well, toothbrushing just got a whole lot better with Dr. Bronner’s All-One Toothpaste(starting from £2.79). Available in two flavours, these toothpastes contain no artificial preservatives, colours or sweeteners and they are fluoride-free. Making them ideal for young children who are sure to go candy crazy at this time of year!
