Sustainable Ways To Discard Your Pumpkin

Sustainable ways to discard your pumpkin

Pumpkins are a fun and festive part of Halloween, but what do you do with them after the holiday is over? Throwing them in the trash is the easiest option, but it's not the most sustainable. Pumpkins are organic matter, and they can take a long time to break down in landfills. This releases methane, a greenhouse gas that is 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide.

There are many more sustainable ways to discard your pumpkin after Halloween. Here are a few ideas:

Compost it

Composting is one of the best ways to recycle pumpkins. When pumpkins compost, they break down into nutrient-rich soil that can be used to grow plants. If you have a backyard compost bin, simply add your pumpkin pieces to it. If you don't have a compost bin, you can check with your local municipality to see if they offer composting services.

Bury it

If you don't have access to composting, you can simply bury your pumpkin in your yard. It will take longer to break down than it would in a compost bin, but it will eventually add nutrients to your soil. Just be sure to bury it deep enough so that animals don't dig it up.

Feed it to wildlife

Many animals, such as squirrels, rabbits, and deer, love to eat pumpkins. If you have a backyard garden, you can cut your pumpkin into pieces and leave it out for the animals to enjoy. You can also donate your pumpkin to a local zoo or animal sanctuary.

Harvest the seeds

Pumpkin seeds are a delicious and nutritious snack. To harvest them, simply scoop out the seeds from your pumpkin and rinse them off. Then, spread the seeds out on a baking sheet and roast them in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Make pumpkin puree

Pumpkin puree is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many different recipes, such as pumpkin pie, muffins, and bread. To make pumpkin puree, simply cook your pumpkin pieces in a pot of boiling water until they are soft. Then, mash the pumpkin with a potato masher or food processor.

Make a pumpkin planter

Pumpkin planters are a fun and festive way to add some fall flair to your home. To make a pumpkin planter, simply cut the top off of your pumpkin and scoop out the seeds and pulp. Then, fill the pumpkin with potting soil and plant your favorite flowers or herbs.

Keep it a little longer

Pumpkins can actually last for several weeks after Halloween if they are stored properly. To keep your pumpkin fresh, simply store it in a cool, dry place. If you have a basement, that's an ideal spot.

No matter which method you choose, there are many ways to discard your pumpkin that are sustainable for our environment. So next time you're finished with your Halloween pumpkin, don't just throw it in the trash. Give it a second life by composting it, feeding it to wildlife, or using it in a creative project.