The Surprising Truth About Halloween Pumpkins
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Every fall, Americans buy tens of millions of decorative pumpkins. Some are carved into spooky jack-o'-lanterns, while others are used simply for display. Unfortunately, the interest in these colorful gourds fades soon after Halloween. Experts estimate that over one billion pounds of pumpkins — more than 80 percent of the 1.3 billion pounds purchased annually — end up in landfills.
The situation is no different in other countries that celebrate Halloween. According to Pumpkins for the People, a community-based composting service in Washington, DC, over two billion pounds (907 million kg) of pumpkins are thrown away worldwide each year.
In addition to creating massive food waste, discarded pumpkins emit large amounts of methane as they rot in landfills. This greenhouse gas traps significantly more heat than carbon dioxide and is a major contributor to climate change.
Fortunately, there is an easy solution to this pollution problem. If the fruits were used as decor, scoop out the edible insides. Roasted pumpkin seeds make a nutritious and tasty snack. The flesh can be used to make a hearty soup, a creamy puree, or a delicious pie. Alternatively, you can donate the pumpkins to local farms or even zoos, where they can serve as feed for animals.
Sagging jack-o'-lanterns can be dropped off at a local compost collection center. Even better, check if your city or town hosts a pumpkin-smash party and have fun smashing them with friends! The best part? The remains will be collected and composted after the event.
You can also fill pumpkin shells with grains and leave them in the yard for birds, squirrels, and other garden critters. If your pumpkin is too far gone to salvage, bury it in your yard. It will naturally decompose and enrich the soil.
Have a safe and sustainable Halloween!
Resources: greenmatters.com, Hubbub.org, pumpkinsforthepeople.com
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44 Comments
29eatonn3 monthsOooooo I LOVE eating the pumpkin seeds. My dad roasts them on his grill and adds some seasoning. Once, I brought some to school as a snack and all of my friends kept asking if they could have some! Happy Halloween!!!! 🎃
maciewoolley6873 monthsWe always cook the seeds and give the left over pumpkin from carving to our Guiana pigs!! 😋😋- vuwavolulyfi3 monthsIn our little town of Fort St. James, BC our students all carve a pumpkin every year. Our pumpkin guts go to a staff members chickens and goats. We roast and eat the seeds. The carved pumpkins spend the Halloween day and night at our historic park for the annual pumpkin walk. Nov. 1 the pumpkins are taken to farms for animals to eat. No waste here!!!
goldendoodlemomabout 1 monthIf the animals eat the seeds then they spread them when they poop. It is actually kinda cool in my opinion. It is good you don't waste. I love animals. (hints my name)
madeline13 monthsI carved a minion pumpkin and then we cooked the seeds!😀- goldendoodlemomabout 1 monthCUTEE
emmaanna2 monthsWow!
maddy4563 monthsoh no! 39 million POUNDS of food!!!!!!! I always eat my pumpkin.
skibidiaisha1013 monthswwow. that's like a lot of food gone to waste
