Halloween pumpkins are a seasonal staple, but after the fun, more than a billion pounds of pumpkins end up in landfills every year. If you want to give your pumpkin a second life, here are a few simple ways to repurpose them—whether for yourself, local wildlife, or the environment!
Eat ‘Em Up
While decorative pumpkins may not be ideal for pie, they’re perfect for a few delicious treats.
1. Roast the Seeds
Pumpkin seeds make a crunchy, nutritious snack. Rinse the seeds, toss with olive oil and your favorite seasonings, and roast at 300°F for 25-30 minutes. They’re great alone or added to salads and trail mix.
2. Make Vegetable Stock
Don’t toss the stringy pulp! Add it to a pot with veggie scraps and simmer for 30-40 minutes to create a rich broth perfect for soups or stews.
3. Feed Animals
Leave your pumpkin in the yard for wildlife to enjoy, or donate it to local farms or zoos for animal feed.
Treat Yourself with a Pumpkin Spa Day
Pumpkin’s vitamins A, C, and E make it great for skincare! Roast the pumpkin flesh and puree it for these DIY treatments:
1. Face Mask
Mix 2 tablespoons of puree with 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon for a hydrating mask.
2. Body Scrub
Combine puree with brown sugar and coconut oil for a nourishing exfoliant.
3. Foot Soak
Mix pumpkin puree with apple cider vinegar and warm water for a rejuvenating soak.
Feed the Soil
Turn your pumpkin into a natural planter by filling it with soil and new plants. As it decomposes, it will enrich the surrounding soil. Alternatively, compost your pumpkin by sending it along with your yard waste—just remove any non-organic decorations first.
With these simple ideas, you can make sure your pumpkins serve a purpose long after Halloween!
Make Food Not Waste is a Detroit-based organization that works to stop food waste before it occurs and give overlooked food a place to go.