What to do with your Pumpkins and Gourds after Halloween?
It's that time of year again. Halloween is over, and your pumpkin is starting to look a little... past its prime. But don't worry, there are plenty of sustainable ways to dispose of your pumpkin and gourds after Halloween.
Composting
Composting is the best way to dispose of your pumpkin because it turns it into nutrient-rich soil that can be used to grow new plants. If you have a backyard compost bin, simply add your pumpkin to it. If you don't have a compost bin, you can check with your local municipality to see if they offer a composting program. In some places, there are companies that will come pick up your compost in bins if you. This is nice if you live in an urban setting without access to a backyard.
Pumpkin Carving Contest
Another fun and sustainable way to dispose of your pumpkin is to host a pumpkin carving contest! Invite your friends and neighbors over to carve their pumpkins, and then have a contest to see who has the best carving. The winner gets to take home all the pumpkins, which they can then compost or donate to a local farm or zoo.
Donate to a Local Farm or Zoo
Many farms and zoos accept pumpkins as donations. They feed the pumpkins to their animals, such as pigs, goats, and elephants. Pumpkins are a good source of vitamins and minerals for animals, and they help to keep them healthy. Make sure to check with their teams before you donate!
Pumpkin Puree
If you're feeling ambitious, you can also puree your pumpkin and use it in recipes such as pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, and pumpkin soup. This is a great way to reduce waste and enjoy your pumpkin even after Halloween is over.
No matter what you choose to do, don't just throw your pumpkin and gourds away! When thrown into landfills, pumpkins can’t break down naturally, instead releasing methane gas. Methane is a greenhouse gas that significantly contributes to climate change at a much higher rate than carbon dioxide. There are many sustainable ways to dispose of it to not only avoid creating waste but keep your pumpkins from contributing to the climate crisis. So, get creative, have fun and do some good with your pumpkins!
Let us know your favorite way to reuse or recycle your pumpkins by tagging us on Instagram @outofthewoodsbags or commenting below!