How to make your own sustainable Halloween decorations

Seeing as Halloween originated in Ireland, it only makes sense that we Irish would want to celebrate spooky season in a big way.

Every year, it seems that more households across the country are embracing the holiday with autumnal wreaths, giant cobwebs and creepy pumpkins on their doorsteps.

One issue that can arise with all this decorating, however, is waste. Whether you've fallen into the habit of throwing out your plastic decorations every year or simply can't find the space in your home to store these items, Carton suggests creating some compostable décor.

Decorative veg

As well as pumpkins, Carton suggests picking up some ghords and "quirky shaped" veg and decorating them for table decor, porches or mantlepiece displays.

"The great thing about that is that you can cook with it when you're finished or you can smash it up and leave it outside for wildlife."

Although birds will enjoy your leftover decorations, Carton reminds listeners that pumpkins can give hedgehogs an upset tummy. If you're looking for an alternative use for your leftover pumpkins, consider a delicious curry, soup or pie.

Read more: How to make a spooky Halloween display with homegrown fruit & veg

Foraging

To add to this veggie display, Carton suggests foraging for pinecones and walnuts: "When you're foraging, if it's already on the forest floor, then its fair game."

These items can be used to refresh last year's wreath or, better yet, it can be used to transform your Christmas wreath into an autumnal display.

"I like using wood and wicker bases. I'm trying to cut down on the amount of glue I'm using so I use florist's wire, you can just use that to wrap around your cones and stick it on. That makes it easier then if you want to remove things and change it up for Christmas."

Pastel pumpkins

If you want to change up the traditional colour scheme of Halloween, Carton suggests a pot of chalk paint.

"I don't like to paint real pumpkins because they're not compostable then but if you are in the cheapy shops and you see an orange pumpkins with an angry face on it, give it a little lick of some lilac and a bit of glitter on the tip and you can turn it into something that is suitable for your style of decor."

For more Halloween decor tips and tricks, listen back above.