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Did you know that Canadians discard nearly 10 million pumpkins per year after Thanksgiving and Halloween? That is roughly $70 million worth of recyclable or edible resources dumped every single year. Despite being purchased as decorative items, there are many ways to prevent pumpkins and jack-o-lanterns from going directly into the bin after October 31. 

1. Proactive pumpkin decoration

If trying to avoid the mess that comes with making Jack-O-Lanterns, a sustainable option may be to decorate or paint pumpkins with non-toxic materials. This no-carve method preserves the flesh and seeds within the pumpkin’s interior, making it appealing for cooking or repurposing. A fresh pumpkin can be harvested for cooking, crafts, or other activities for days following Halloween. If still choosing to carve a pumpkin this year, the flesh, seeds, and scraps made from carving can be reused as well!

2. Creative cooking

Pumpkins are extremely versatile fruits that can be used in a wide variety of recipes. Intact, decorated pumpkins as well as the scraps taken from carved pumpkins can be reused to produce delicious and healthy dinners, deserts, and snacks that will make your Halloween tasty and sustainable.

• Seeds: Roasted pumpkin seeds or a festive pumpkin seed pesto
• Peels: Oven roasted/Air-fryer pumpkin chips
• Flesh: Can be made into pumpkin puree and added to pies, soups and sauces

Ensure that you keep your pumpkin in a cool, shady space if you’re planning to eat if after being left outdoors. Use your judgement – if it looks unappealing, upcycle your pumpkin in another way. Don’t get sick!

3. Crafty composting

Decomposing pumpkins are a wonderful source of nutrients! If undesirable for cooking, composting your pumpkin is far better than dumping it in the garbage. If you don’t have access to municipal compost systems, pumpkins can be composted on your property.  

4. Spooky spa day

There is nothing better than a spa day after a long night of Trick or Treating! Pumpkins are rich in vitamins and antioxidants and can be recycled into DIY spa products. Blended pumpkin can be mixed with coconut oil for a hydrating hair mask, or with other fruits and honey for nourishing face masks. Pumpkin spa products are customizable with preference, so be sure to choose ingredients that are right for you!

5. Delicious donations

If any of the above are unfeasible, donating whole pumpkins is a wonderful way to reuse unwanted decorations. Many farms across Nova Scotia like Moo Nay Farms in Shubenacadie as well as Common Roots Urban Farm in Woodside accept pumpkin donations to feed to their animals and gardens. It is recommended that pumpkins are donated whole to maximize nutrient density.