Fun & Easy Eco-Friendly Halloween Crafts

Last year, I remember sitting on the floor surrounded by glitter, glue sticks, and way too much plastic packaging from those store-bought Halloween decorations. Don’t get me wrong—they looked cute for about a week, but by November, half of them were broken, and I felt this little pang of guilt tossing all that waste in the trash. Sound familiar? If you’ve ever wished Halloween could be a little less wasteful (and honestly, a little more creative), you’re not alone. That’s where eco-friendly Halloween crafts come in. They’re fun, budget-friendly, and they let you reuse things you already have lying around. Plus, there’s something extra satisfying about saying, “Yep, I made that!” when friends ask where you bought your spooky décor. So if you’re looking for ideas that are kind to the planet, easy on your wallet, and still full of Halloween charm—I’ve got you covered.

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

I can’t even tell you how many random jars I’ve collected over the years—pickle jars, pasta sauce jars, even those tiny jam jars from hotel breakfasts. Instead of tossing them, I’ve started turning them into Halloween lanterns, and honestly, they’re one of my favorite eco-friendly crafts. A little paint, some tissue paper, maybe even a bit of gauze wrapped around for that “mummy vibe,” and suddenly you’ve got the cutest glowing decorations. I usually pop in a tea light (the battery ones, so I don’t worry about fire), and they give off this warm, slightly eerie glow that feels perfect for Halloween night.

To be fair, my first attempt was messy—paint everywhere and tissue paper that tore too easily. But that’s part of the fun, right? Now, I keep it simple: I mix orange and black paint, let the kids doodle pumpkins or ghosts on them, and it turns into a family project. Plus, I get this little buzz of pride knowing I didn’t buy another plastic decoration that’ll end up in the trash. If you’ve got jars lying around, try it—you’ll be surprised how magical they look when the lights go out.

Cardboard Haunted Houses

Okay, confession: I’ve always loved dollhouses, but building a haunted house out of cardboard feels even better because it’s Halloween-y and eco-friendly. Old Amazon boxes or cereal boxes are perfect for this. I just cut out wonky windows, tape together crooked walls, and the imperfections honestly make it spookier. A splash of black paint, maybe some drippy red (tomato sauce works if you’re desperate—don’t ask how I know that), and suddenly, you’ve got a creepy little haunted mansion.

Last year, I made one with my niece, and she insisted on adding a “ghost balcony” where she hung tissue paper ghosts. It was ridiculously charming. The best part is, once Halloween’s over, you don’t feel guilty recycling the whole thing because, well, it was already cardboard destined for the bin. In my opinion, these little haunted houses beat store-bought decor every time because each one ends up looking unique, like a haunted house only your family could’ve dreamed up.

Nature Wreaths with a Spooky Twist

I’ll admit, I used to think wreaths were strictly a Christmas thing, but then I tried making one for Halloween out of branches and dried leaves from my backyard. Game changer. You just gather twigs, twist them into a circle (don’t worry if it’s uneven, it actually looks creepier that way), and then decorate with whatever you find—pinecones, acorns, even feathers if you’re lucky enough to spot some. I like to add scraps of old black fabric or little paper bats to give it that spooky flair.

One time I hung mine on the door, and a neighbor actually thought it was a store-bought piece—nope, just sticks from the ground and some hot glue. The charm, in my opinion, is that it feels so natural, like the forest itself decorated for Halloween. Plus, you don’t have to spend a dime, and you get this eerie, rustic vibe that makes your entryway feel both cozy and creepy at the same time. Honestly, it’s become one of my favorite traditions.

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.