At LiveWest, we are Creating Greener Futures Together. Every month, we share some simple ideas to help people live in a way that's good for nature. This month, we’re talking about pumpkins! Instead of just throwing them away after Halloween, there are lots of cool ways to reuse your pumpkins. You can cut down on food waste, help animals, and have some spooky fun!
Did you know?
Pumpkins are not just for decoration—they are also food. But most people do not eat them after Halloween. In fact, only 1 out of every 9 people cook their pumpkin. That means millions of pumpkins are wasted every year—enough to make 95 million meals! This is bad for the environment because it adds to food waste, which is a big problem.
So, what can you do instead?
Here are some fun and eco-friendly ideas to use your pumpkin after Halloween:
1. Roast the seeds
Do not throw out the pumpkin seeds! After scooping them out, wash them, add a little oil and seasoning, then roast them in the oven. They make a yummy snack or a crunchy topping for soups and salads.
2. Cook the carved pieces
When you carve out pieces of your pumpkin for its spooky face, save the bits! You can roast them with some seasoning and add them to your dinner. They are great in pasta, risotto, stir-fry, or even on their own!
3. Cook uncarved pumpkins
If you did not carve your pumpkin, you can cook the whole thing! There are many kinds of pumpkins that taste delicious in soups, pies, or even cakes. Uncarved pumpkins also make great autumn decorations around your house because they come in different shapes, sizes, and colours.
What about pumpkins you have already carved?
If you carved your pumpkin and left it outside with a candle, it’s not safe to eat anymore. But don’t worry—there are still cool ways to reuse it!
4. Feed chickens
Do you have chickens or know someone who does? They will love eating pumpkin! You can give them the seeds, the scraped out bits, and even the whole pumpkin the day after Halloween. Just make sure to remove it before it starts to rot.
5. Compost it
Pumpkins make great compost! Chop it up into smaller pieces and put it in your compost bin. Over time, it will turn into nutrient-rich soil for your garden.
6. Make a bird feeder
Turn your pumpkin into a bird feeder! Cut off the top, fill it with birdseed, and hang it with some string. You will enjoy watching the birds, and when they are done, you can compost the rest.
7. Bury it
Did you know you can bury your pumpkin in your garden? It will break down naturally and add nutrients to the soil. Just remember to remove the seeds, or you might find pumpkins growing next year!
8. Donate it
If you don’t have a garden, check if a local farm, zoo, or community garden could use your pumpkin. Some animals love pumpkins as a treat!
What not to do
- Do not leave pumpkins in the woods or local parks. While some animals might eat them, pumpkins can make other animals unwell and spread diseases.
- Do not leave your pumpkin out to rot on the street or in your garden—it will attract pests!
By following these simple tips, you can have a fun and green Halloween while also helping the planet!