The air is crisp, the nights are chillier, and pumpkins are everywhere—fall is finally here! This season is a great time to begin new traditions. Pumpkin carving, pie making, or decorating for a Halloween gathering offers fresh opportunities for many fond memories to be made in your new home by Shea Homes®. While these activities are always fun to look forward to, they could use an eco-friendly revamp. Try opting for a more sustainable approach this season. Before you set out for your annual haul of fake cobwebs, plastic cauldrons, and candy, we’ve got some fun Halloween tips and tricks that are a lot less spooky for the environment.
DIY Your Costume
When it comes to homemade costumes, effort gets an A+! Ditch the usual store-bought set and go digging in your closet or a thrift shop to complete your look. Making your own or your kids’ costumes may seem like a chore, but it’ll seem less so if you make it a fun activity and an annual tradition. Get the kids involved and they’ll be less likely to change their mind for their costume at the last second. Other options include reusing old costumes or doing a costume swap with people in your neighborhood!
Squash Waste
Don’t let any part of your jack-o-lantern go unused. When you’re carving your gourd, save the seeds and the puree. Have your own pumpkin-palooza by using the excess puree to bake a pumpkin pie, bread, or muffins. Once October comes to an end, compost your carved pumpkin.
Create an Erie-sistable Tablescape
There is just something about the air in fall that is so refreshing, especially after a warm summer. Add outdoor elements throughout your home for sustainable seasonal decor. Gather dried branches, leaves, flowers, and twigs and put them in clear vases from the thrift shop for the perfect erie-sistable look. If you’re looking for the perfect centerpiece, opt for dried Indian corn, fall leaves, and flowers. Your dinner guests will appreciate the natural details.
A Slice of Fall
Add some zest to your home with dried oranges. String them in garlands, add them to a fall wreath, or include them in your centerpiece. They’re easy to make and look great. Slice a naval or blood orange (or both!) and stick them in the oven for two or three hours at 250 degrees. If you’re looking for more variety, add some apples and limes.
Light the Way to a Sustainable October
If you have an excess of cans and glass jars, we’ve got some fun ideas for those, too. Remove the labels from your cans and make an autumn-inspired design by using a nail and hammer to punch holes through the metal. Add a tealight to complete the look. For glass jars, all you have to do is add a candle and tie a bit of twine to the top for that perfect harvest season vibe.
Discover how fun celebrating your favorite holidays can be in a Shea home by finding your own dream home now selling throughout Northern California. Contact our team to learn more.
Sales: Shea Homes Marketing Company (CalDRE #01378646); Construction: Shea Homes Limited Partnership (CSLB #855368). Equal Housing Opportunity.