Somerset Council has disclosed that Halloween festivities resulted in a spooky increase of 146 tonnes of food waste just two weeks after the celebrations last year—a 19% rise in recycled food waste!
This Halloween, they’re asking everyone to get creative with pumpkins and cut down on waste. Almost every part of a pumpkin is usable, from the seeds to the insides.
Councillor Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council’s Executive Member for Transport and Waste Services said:
Recycling food waste is the best thing to do with scraps that won’t be eaten, but it’s even better to eat your pumpkin.
We’re pleased that most people in Somerset recycle their food waste, but we’re asking everyone to think twice before wasting their pumpkins after Halloween. It’s better for the environment and your pocket to reduce the amount of waste produced in the first place.”
Instead of tossing your pumpkin, why not whip up a delicious pumpkin cheesecake, bake a cake, make soup, or roast those seeds?
Don’t forget to recycle or compost any scraps you can’t use, freeze any leftovers, or save seeds for wildlife or planting next year.
Let’s all do our part to keep Halloween fun and eco-friendly!
Residents looking for ideas on what to do with their pumpkins can check the Love Food Hate Waste website for inspiration: