Nothing says fall like a good stack of pumpkins on the front porch. However, in the last couple of years, I’ve noticed these stacks have gotten out of hand. We get it – it’s fall – you’re excited – but data shows that between 1 and 2 billion pumpkins are grown each year, using up water and energy, and for what? To sit on a porch? Even though pumpkins are edible, after Halloween, approximately 1.3 billion pounds of pumpkins end up in landfills each year! Maybe I’m a party pooper, but that seems unnecessary.
I’m not saying that you can’t use pumpkins to decorate for fall, but maybe you can scale it back a bit this year. And, once Halloween is over, be mindful of how you discard them. Let’s look at some of the do’s and don’ts of what to do with pumpkins after Halloween.
Do: Compost your pumpkins
Get yourself a composting bin and throw your pumpkins in! Once Halloween is over – or better yet, keep those pumpkins out until Thanksgiving, then chop them into small pieces and add them to your compost pile. Since pumpkins release nitrogen as they decompose, it’s important to balance it out with newspaper or some of the fall leaves in your yard that contain carbon. This will ensure the compost has the right blend of nutrients to add to your garden. Note – painted areas of pumpkins or carved pumpkins that had a candle burning inside are not ideal for compost since they can contain harmful toxins.
Don’t: Throw your pumpkins in the woods
I have a large wooded area behind my house, and it is so tempting to just toss my pumpkins back there – but wildlife experts say that is not a good idea. Depending on where you live, your pumpkins could actually harm wildlife and attract unwanted guests like rodents, raccoons, or even bears. Plus, if you throw them in the woods, there’s a good chance the seeds will cause new invasive plants to grow, which could spread disease and just cause an overall headache.
Do: Roast the pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin seeds are an underrated, nutritious treat! After you’re finished carving your jack-o-lantern, take the seeds and soak them in salt water – this will make the pumpkin seeds crunchier and easier to digest. Next, you’ll coat the pumpkin seeds with olive oil and other seasonings – I like to use garlic powder and paprika, but you can use whatever you prefer. Then put them in the oven at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes. So easy!
Don’t: Throw your pumpkins in the garbage
If you only listen to one thing in this post, let it be this – don’t throw your pumpkins in the garbage! Our landfills are already overcrowded, and the additional waste from our seasonal pumpkin infatuation is just too much. Plus, not only do pumpkins take up a lot of space, but they also have a hard time decomposing properly in the landfill, which causes them to release harmful methane gas that is very bad for the environment.
Do: Use the pumpkins to make dog treats
Dogs love pumpkins! They’re good for the digestive system and can make a tasty treat for your four-legged pal. You can simply puree the pumpkin and mix it with the rest of their food, or try out a pumpkin dog treat recipe like this easy three-ingredient recipe. Your dog will thank you.
Don’t: Leave your pumkpins out to rot
I like to keep my pumpkins out until Thanksgiving, but if they start to rot, it’s time for them to go. Rotting pumpkins, full of mold or bacteria, are not good for your health. If they’re inside, those toxins get into the air you breathe. If they’re outside, wildlife could come in contact with it, which could be deadly.
Do: Donate your pumpkins
If you have whole pumpkins that haven’t been painted or carved, look around your community for a place to donate them. Many farmers may take them to either compost or feed their animals. Some food banks also take pumpkins to distribute to those in need. Usually, you can find out who and where to donate through Facebook, by doing a quick Google search, or by watching your local news.
Decorate responsibly this holiday season
Holiday decorating should be fun, but we must be mindful of how much we consume. Overconsumption is a huge issue that is getting more and more out of control. You don’t need thirty pumpkins to display in your yard – really, you don’t. But regardless of how many pumpkins you buy this fall, try to reuse them as much as possible.
I’m curious – what do you do with pumpkins after Halloween? Comment below, I’d love more ideas!
