When Halloween is officially over, it’s time to decide what to do with all those pumpkins! Not sure what you can do with your leftover Jack-o’-lanterns or pumpkin decorations? Recycle them! Check out these pumpkin recycling tips.
The History of Pumpkin Decorations
From centerpieces to candlestick holders, fresh pumpkins make great decorations. One of the most common ones, Jack-o’-lanterns, have decorated homes around Halloween for centuries. The practice originated in Ireland and Scotland with the legend of a man named Stingy Jack. Stingy Jack was in cahoots with the Devil, and when he died his soul carried a piece of burning coal in a carved out turnip as he roamed the Earth. To chase away bad spirits, people began to carve out beets, potatoes, and turnips, put coals in the center, and place the lanterns in windows and doorways. Today, carving pumpkins is a family pastime that is more about fun than scaring away bad spirits, and it’s still very popular.
4 Pumpkin Recycling Ideas
According to experts, 45 percent of Americans will be carving a pumpkin this Halloween, so there will be a lot of pumpkins to recycle this year. Listed below are just four ideas to inspire you.
- Temporary pumpkin flower pot. Are you planning on growing plants indoors during the cold months? If so, use your pumpkin as an indoor, temporary planter. This is a great idea for little seedlings. Plus, your pumpkin flower pot will make for festive decoration around your house. Some bulbs you may consider for growing plants indoors include tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths.
- A temporary wildlife feeder. Do you want to feed wildlife in your own yard? Consider putting birdseed or nuts in your pumpkin and placing it outside. Your neighboring birds and squirrels will appreciate the treat. If you don’t have spare birdseed or nuts, just place the pumpkin outside instead. The squirrels will love to eat just the pumpkin.
- Compost. Do you have a compost pile? If so, you can add your pumpkin to your compost so that it can feed your beloved plants in the future. Remember to clean your pumpkin of any trash, such as candle wax before putting it in your pie. If your pumpkin has been painted or otherwise decorated, it would be unsuitable for your compost pile.
- Donate your pumpkin. Is there an animal farm near your community? See if they are accepting pumpkin donations this year. Some farms ask people to donate their pumpkins so they can feed their animals. Pigs, cows, and chickens are known to be big fans of pumpkins.