The Scary Truth about Halloween: What's Lurking behind the Costumes and Candy?
- Jeanne P
- Oct 31, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Nov 4, 2025
Halloween is all fun and games. Until you look behind the mask.
Every October 31st, millions celebrate Halloween. This tradition gained popularity in the US and in Canada since the 1920s, and hasn't stopped growing since. Originally rooted in ancient Celtic harvest festivals and later influenced by Christian observances, Halloween has evolved into a highly commercialized event focused on entertainment and consumerism. And beneath the spooky fun, it hides a darker side that's often overlooked.
Wasteful costumes and decorations
Most Halloween costumes are made from synthetic materials and worn only once. Add plastic decorations and single-use party supplies, and you've got a mountain of waste headed straight to landfills. The environmental non-profit Hubbub estimated in 2017 that 7 million Halloween costumes are thrown away every year. Isn't that huge?
Sugar overload and health risks
Kids (and adults!) eat alarming amounts of sugar during the festivities, leading to health issues like cavities, stomach aches, and poor nutrition habits. And let's not forget the hidden allergens in many treats. Don't you think that this is the real "scary" thing about Halloween? Sugar is indeed one of the main causes for obesity, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes. Be careful with what you eat.
Environmental impact
From plastic candy wrappers to hollowed-out pumpkins, Halloween generates tons of waste. Let's also consider the amount of energy used for light displays and electronic decorations. The over-commercialization of this spooky evening points out to a wider narrative: Spending money on costumes, decorations, and candy leads to colossal impacts for our planet, impacts that are growing faster with the worldwide spreading of this tradition and the pressure to participate...
Let's make Halloween healthier and greener!
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Here is a little tip for you: Avoid tossing your leftover pumpkin and check out our delicious pumpkin recipe to make the most of it! It's tasty, zero-waste, and perfect for fall.
Choose products that care for your health and the planet. Choose MyFibres.
MyFibres offers smart, sustainable solutions for everyday life with an eco-friendly range of paper products for your kitchen. We believe that your cooking choices should not endanger your health nor the planet.
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