This Halloween, over 18,000 tons of pumpkins will be wasted in the US alone. This is because around half of the 30 million purchased each year go completely uneaten. That equates to $27 million in edible food. When we factor in trash in the United States and other countries where pumpkin carving is a Halloween ritual, the worldwide expenses will be much higher.
In a world where 2 billion people are starving, despite the knowledge that food systems could sustainably feed the entire human population, and where families in wealthier countries turn to food banks, wasting perfectly edible pumpkins is immoral.
The money spent on pumpkins is only a small portion of the true cost. When a pumpkin is thrown away, the water, energy, and labor used to grow and distribute it are also thrown away.
Make a difference this Halloween
Around 260 grams of carbon dioxide-equivalent greenhouse gases are emitted for every kilo produced. When a pumpkin decomposes in a landfill, it emits methane, a more powerful greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide.
Growing pumpkins also necessitates a lot of water. The freshwater used in the manufacturing of pumpkins is also squandered when leftovers are dumped. The value of freshwater reserves was highlighted in the summer of 2022, when much of the UK was subjected to hosepipe bans.
In a world where 2 billion people are starving, despite the knowledge that food systems could sustainably feed the entire human population, and where families in wealthier countries turn to food banks, wasting perfectly edible pumpkins is immoral.
Regardless, we can still make a difference this Halloween. By simply repurposing leftover pumpkins, people may avoid the harmful effects of pumpkin waste. Here are three practical approaches.
Cakes, bread, soups, and coffee are available
In a survey, only 42% of 3,000 Britons understood that the inside of a pumpkin is edible, according to a survey of 3,000 Britons. One of the simplest ways to use up leftovers is to repurpose them for cooking and beverages.
There are several recipes for cupcakes, bread, puree, and soup on the internet. There are wonderful coffee and mocktail recipes available, or you may use your imagination to create your own pumpkin cocktails using your favorite ingredients. It is important to remember, however, that leftover pumpkins should be stored in the fridge and will last for a few days.
Soap, scrubs, and masks
Not everyone is comfortable eating leftovers, but leftover pumpkins can be utilized for various purposes, such as do-it-yourself projects at home. Pumpkin has a high iron, potassium, and copper content, as well as vitamins A, B2, C, and E, making it a good beauty element.
As a do-it-yourself activity, you can use the remaining pumpkins to make face masks, body washes, and soap. You can even use it to make candles as well.
Give some plants or animals food
If you don’t want to deal with the remaining carved pumpkins, you may always donate them to zoos, farms, and community gardens. They can compost it or feed it to the animals.
According to a recent study, if a person is aware that their behaviors will have a detrimental influence on the environment, they will attempt to engage in pro-environmental behavior. Similarly, sharing pro-environmental behavior on social media sets an example and motivates others to be more environmentally conscious.
The pro-environmental behavior in this situation will be using the remaining carved pumpkins. You can use one of the above-mentioned practical methods and share the outcome on social media.
As I discovered via my investigation, producing and using hashtags, as well as publicizing your efforts on social media, will motivate your family and friends to join you. The more, the better. Because, in the end, every attempt to eliminate waste is worthwhile.