Fun & Easy Eco-Friendly Halloween Crafts

Eco-Friendly Halloween Crafts are a great way to enjoy the spooky season while also caring for the planet. Every year, Halloween creates a lot of waste — from plastic candy wrappers and costumes to single-use decorations that end up in landfills. Most of these items are used only once and made from non-biodegradable materials, which can harm the environment.

Eco-Friendly Halloween Crafts

Eco-Friendly Halloween Crafts are a fun way to celebrate the spooky season while reducing waste. Using recycled and natural materials, you can create decorations and costumes that are both creative and kind to the planet.

Recycled Jar Lanterns

Turn empty glass jars into spooky lanterns that light up your porch or windows. This craft is easy to make and gives a second life to old jars that would otherwise be thrown away. Kids can join in to decorate them with fun Halloween designs. Add LED candles for a safe, reusable glow.

• Wash and dry old jam or sauce jars before decorating.

• Use water-based or non-toxic paints for designs.

• Wrap jars with tissue paper or old book pages for a spooky glow.

• Add LED tea lights or solar lights instead of real candles.

• Reuse the jars again next year or turn them into storage containers.

Cardboard Haunted Houses

Use leftover cereal boxes or shipping cartons to create mini haunted houses. This is a fun way to reuse cardboard and spark imagination with creepy little details. Decorate them with paint, markers, or scraps from around the house. They make great table centerpieces or window displays.

• Break down and reshape old cardboard boxes.

• Cut windows and doors using kid-safe scissors or craft knives.

• Decorate with leftover fabric, old buttons, or string.

• Paint with eco-friendly or DIY natural paint.

• Store them flat after Halloween for reuse next year.

Nature Wreaths with a Spooky Twist

Gather natural items like leaves, sticks, pinecones, and flowers to create a spooky wreath. It’s a beautiful, biodegradable alternative to plastic decor. Add Halloween touches like small bats or spider shapes made from paper scraps.

• Use a circular base from cardboard or vine stems.

• Collect fallen leaves, twigs, and pinecones—no need to buy anything.

• Tie materials using twine, old yarn, or strips of cloth.

• Add spooky paper cutouts for Halloween fun.

• Compost everything after Halloween for zero waste.

DIY Ghosts from Old Bedsheets

Repurpose old white bedsheets or pillowcases into floating ghosts. This craft is great for decorating your lawn, porch, or indoor party. Lightweight and simple, they sway eerily in the wind and can be reused every year.

• Use ripped or stained white fabric instead of throwing it away.

• Stuff with paper scraps or fabric remnants.

• Use twine or fabric strips to tie the ghost’s neck.

• Draw faces with natural charcoal or washable markers.

• Hang with reused string or biodegradable twine.

Toilet Paper Roll Creatures

Toilet paper rolls are perfect for making Halloween bats, monsters, and mummies. Instead of tossing these rolls, turn them into something fun and decorative. Kids love this simple craft and it’s a great way to upcycle paper waste.

• Flatten rolls slightly to make cutting easier.

• Paint using leftover paints or natural colors.

• Add wings, eyes, or teeth with scrap paper and fabric.

• Glue on buttons, bottle caps, or paper bits for decoration.

• Recycle the whole craft when Halloween is over.

Upcycled Milk Jug Luminaries

Give empty milk jugs a new life as glowing Halloween decorations. These spooky luminaries are great for lighting up your walkway or yard. Plus, they’re reusable and safe for kids to help make.

• Rinse out milk jugs and remove labels.

• Use a black marker or paint to draw ghost or pumpkin faces.

• Fill with string lights or solar lights for illumination.

• Weigh down the bottom with sand or stones to keep them in place.

• Reuse or recycle the jugs after the season.

Pinecone Spiders

Turn pinecones into creepy spiders using natural or leftover materials. This is a fun way to mix nature with imagination. These decorations are small, simple, and totally biodegradable.

• Collect dry pinecones from parks or backyards.

• Use twigs or pipe cleaners from old crafts for legs.

• Add googly eyes made from recycled paper or buttons.

• Paint with natural or water-based paint for a spooky effect.

• Compost after use or store for next year’s decor.

Paper Bag Pumpkins

Create adorable pumpkin decorations using old brown paper bags. This zero-cost project is perfect for schools or group activities. Stuff and paint your pumpkins for a festive, eco-friendly touch.

• Reuse grocery or lunch bags instead of buying new materials.

• Stuff with shredded paper or fabric scraps.

• Twist and tie the top with twine to form a stem.

• Paint with orange and green natural dye or kid-safe paint.

• Display indoors or on a covered porch.

Egg Carton Bats

Egg cartons can easily be turned into tiny bats that hang from ceilings or windows. It’s a great way to reuse a common kitchen item and create fun decorations with the kids.

• Cut egg cartons into sets of three cups for each bat.

• Paint with leftover black paint or use a marker.

• Add eyes using old paper or reusable stickers.

• Use string or yarn to hang them upside down.

• Store carefully to reuse next Halloween.

DIY Trick-or-Treat Bags

Make your own trick-or-treat bags from old t-shirts, pillowcases, or fabric scraps. These reusable bags are sturdier and more fun than store-bought plastic ones. Kids can personalize them for extra fun.

• Cut and tie the bottom of an old t-shirt to make a no-sew bag.

• Decorate with fabric paint, stamps, or iron-on patches.

• Use markers to draw spooky faces or names.

• Reinforce the handles with stitching or knots.

• Wash and store the bag for future use.

Painted Rock Monsters

Collect rocks from nature and paint them to look like monsters or Halloween characters. This relaxing craft is perfect for kids and makes great party favors or garden decorations.

• Choose smooth, flat rocks for easy painting.

• Wash and dry them before decorating.

• Paint with non-toxic or natural paint.

• Use leftover craft materials for eyes, teeth, and hair.

• Display them in your yard or indoor plants.

Recycled Bottle Cap Creatures

Save plastic or metal bottle caps to create tiny Halloween critters. These are great for table décor or party games. They use small scraps and help reduce plastic waste.

• Wash and dry old bottle caps thoroughly.

• Use scrap paper or buttons to make faces.

• Attach with biodegradable glue or double-sided tape.

• Paint or color with eco-safe materials.

• Store in a jar and reuse for other crafts.

Pumpkin Alternative Decor

Skip carving real pumpkins and use alternatives like squash, gourds, or decorated faux pumpkins. These last longer and reduce food waste. It’s still just as festive and fun.

• Paint squash or gourds with spooky designs.

• Use stickers or cutouts instead of carving.

• Add accessories like hats or scarves from old clothes.

• Display indoors to preserve freshness.

• Compost naturally after the season.

Sock Puppets with a Spooky Twist

Turn old socks into fun Halloween puppets like witches, ghosts, or vampires. This no-waste craft gives new life to single or worn-out socks. Great for puppet shows or storytelling.

• Use socks with holes or mismatched pairs.

• Add buttons, paper, or fabric scraps for faces and costumes.

• Stitch or glue pieces using eco-friendly adhesive.

• Decorate with natural dyes or markers.

• Store for future play or disassemble and recycle parts.

Monster Masks from Scrap Materials

Make Halloween masks using cardboard, fabric, and paper scraps. These masks are fun to wear, totally unique, and waste-free. Customize your monster with whatever you have at home.

• Cut base shapes from cereal boxes or other cardboard.

• Use old ribbons, felt, or paper for features.

• Attach using string, rubber bands, or old headbands.

• Decorate with non-toxic paint or markers.

• Store flat for future use or recycle after Halloween.

Eco-Clean-Up and Disposal

After the Halloween fun is over, it’s important to clean up in a way that’s kind to the environment. Eco-friendly crafts are already a great first step, but what you do after the celebration makes an even bigger impact. Instead of tossing everything out, you can sort, compost, and save materials to reduce waste and prepare for next year’s spooky fun.

• Compost natural materials like dried leaves, used pumpkins, food scraps, and twigs from nature crafts. These break down naturally and can be turned into nutrient-rich soil.

• Recycle leftover paper, cardboard, and packaging used in your crafts or decorations. Make sure they are clean and dry before placing them in your recycling bin.

• Store reusable decorations and craft items in a labeled box for next year. Keep things like lanterns, fabric ghosts, or handmade trick-or-treat bags in good condition.

• Donate costumes and décor that are still in good shape but no longer needed. Local schools, community centers, or charities may accept them.

• Avoid burning or throwing away plastic items, which release harmful chemicals or add to landfill waste. Instead, find creative ways to reuse or repurpose them.

With a little effort, your Halloween can be fun, spooky, and earth-friendly—from start to finish!

FAQ

What are Eco-Friendly Halloween Crafts?

Eco-Friendly Halloween Crafts are fun and creative projects made using recycled, natural, or reusable materials. These crafts reduce waste and help protect the environment while still celebrating Halloween in a festive way.

Why should I choose eco-friendly crafts for Halloween?

Traditional Halloween decorations often include plastic and single-use items that harm the environment. Choosing eco-friendly options helps cut down on waste, saves money, and teaches kids the value of reusing and recycling.

Are these crafts safe for kids?

Yes! Most eco-friendly crafts use simple, non-toxic, and natural materials, making them safe and fun for children. Always supervise young kids, especially when using scissors or small items.

Where can I find the materials for these crafts?

You can find most materials at home—old jars, cardboard boxes, paper rolls, fabric scraps, and natural items like leaves or pinecones. This saves money and gives new life to things you might otherwise throw away.