Skip to main content

Natural Awakenings Tucson

Smashing Pumpkins: Turning Jack-O-Lanterns Into Compost

halloween pumpkin smash

Yuganov Konstantin/CanvaPro

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Americans purchase 1.3 billion pounds of Halloween pumpkins and throw away more than 1 billion pounds, most of which wind up in landfills, where they release methane as they decompose. Diverting jack-o-lanterns away from landfills and turning them into compost can reduce the environmental footprint of this popular holiday tradition, thereby mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and enriching the soil. 

Across the nation, people are hosting pumpkin smash parties to compost the spooky gourds. These events foster a sense of community spirit, provide a forum to discuss broader environmental issues and turn a post-Halloween chore into a fun, eco-friendly activity.

 

Planning Tips

  • Time and Place: Schedule the party shortly after Halloween when people are looking to dispose of their pumpkins. Choose a centrally located area such as a public park, community center or school playground. Be sure to obtain any required permits and coordinate with the waste management department.
  • Partnerships: Contact environmental groups, schools or businesses to help with logistics, promotion and the distribution of educational materials about composting and sustainability. Local farms or community gardens may be interested in receiving the composted pumpkins.
  • Promotion: To attract participants, it is important to explain the purpose of the pumpkin smash and how it benefits the environment. Spread the word on social media using engaging visuals and hashtags related to Halloween, pumpkins and sustainability. Design and distribute eye-catching flyers. Contact or send a press release to local newspapers, radio stations and TV channels. 
 

Event Recommendations

  • Smashing Station: Create a designated area for pumpkin smashing and offer instructions on how to safely smash the pumpkins. Be sure there are enough tools for everyone, including mallets, hammers or even baseball bats. Safety is paramount, so provide goggles and gloves for proper protection. Set up a first-aid station in case of any minor injuries.
  • Compost Collection and Distribution: Create a designated area for compost collection and ensure there are clear signs directing participants to take their smashed pumpkins there. Coordinate with local farms or gardens for compost pickup. Ensure the area is thoroughly cleaned up, leaving no debris behind.
  • Educational Booths: Set up stations where participants can learn about composting and the benefits of reducing food waste. Provide brochures, posters and hands-on demonstrations to engage both kids and adults, and consider inviting local experts to give short talks or answer questions.
Related Articles:

pAnton MirMarShutterstockcombrp

Eco-Friendly Fall Yard Cleanup

This winter, consider allowing at least some of this fallen foliage to remain where it lands. This will benefit the local ecosystem and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in landfills. Read More » 

 

pLook StudioShutterStockcombrp

Sustainable Eating: Tips to Shrink Your Foodprint

To get a fuller picture of our food-related environmental impacts, we need to take into consideration the many variables associated with the production, transportation and consumption of ... Read More » 

 

pmaerorisAdobeStockcombrp

Human Composting Offers Sustainable Burial

With the passage of a recent law, California will be the fifth state, along with Washington, Oregon, Colorado and Vermont, to allow human composting, beginning in 2027. Read More » 

 

Coming in October 2024

Deadline October 10th. Email [email protected] today for details.

Join Our Email Newsletter

 


Missed the print deadline? Try email news!

Email News Exclusives with Social Media pushes; ask us about it today! [email protected]

Visit Us on Facebook
2024 Editorial Calendar