After Halloween: Eco‑friendly ways to repurpose pumpkins
Every year after Halloween, many wonder what to do with the leftover pumpkins. Instead of throwing them away, it's worth learning ecological and creative ways to utilise them. There are indeed a plethora of options.
Halloween cannot exist without pumpkins. It is one of the most recognised symbols of this celebration. The role of this orange vegetable is to ward off evil spirits, but it also symbolises eternal life, resurrection, and fertility. Placing a pumpkin in the window is also a welcoming sign for children in scary costumes, indicating they may receive sweets at our house.
Every year at the end of October, our homes are decorated with charming, often frightening, pumpkin lanterns. However, when Halloween is over, we face a dilemma: what to do with all the pumpkins? Waste that could fill the bins has many potential uses. We present ideas on how to use these autumn treasures beneficially while caring for the environment.
Although common sense might suggest leaving discarded pumpkins in the forest as "food" for wild animals, experts strongly advise against this. As highlighted by environmental organisations such as the UK's Woodland Trust, leaving pumpkins in the natural environment can harm wildlife. Pumpkin flesh, though rich in sugars, is not a natural element in many woodland animals' diets and can be fatal for hedgehogs.
Additionally, pumpkins can attract unwanted rat colonies and negatively impact sensitive forest ecosystems. If we want to protect our forests and their inhabitants, we must consider alternative solutions.
Safe and creative uses for pumpkins
Instead of discarding pumpkins, it's worthwhile to consider culinary inspiration. Pumpkin flesh is an excellent base for various dishes, ranging from the popular creamy soup and fries to delightful baked goods. Pumpkin delicacies appeal to adults and children, and the potential to use leftovers aligns with the zero-waste philosophy.
It is worth noting that pumpkin is rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, C, and PP, as well as magnesium, phosphorus, iron, and calcium. It is also low in calories, with 100 grams of the product containing only 28 calories.
We don't need to confine ourselves to the kitchen. The decorative use of pumpkins does not end with Halloween. We can use them to create natural decorations for late autumn, bringing a warm atmosphere to our homes.
