10 Eco-Friendly Halloween Decorations In Washington
Halloween in Washington doesn’t have to harm our beautiful environment. With our state’s deep connection to nature and sustainability, creating spooky decorations that respect the planet makes perfect sense.
I’ve gathered some awesome eco-friendly Halloween decoration ideas that showcase Washington’s commitment to green living while still delivering all the festive frights we love.
1. Pumpkin Planters From Local Farms
Our local Washington pumpkin farms offer the perfect sustainable decoration base! After carving your jack-o’-lantern, transform the hollowed-out gourd into a planter for native plants or herbs.
The nutrients from the decomposing pumpkin will feed your plants as they grow. I love visiting Carpinito Brothers in Kent or Craven Farm in Snohomish to find the perfect pumpkin specimens that will eventually return to the earth.
2. Driftwood Ghost Sculptures
Walking along Washington’s spectacular coastlines provides free materials for hauntingly beautiful decorations. Gather interesting driftwood pieces from places like Ruby Beach or Whidbey Island to create ghost or skeleton figures.
Simply arrange the pieces in human-like forms, then add minimal white non-toxic paint or wrap with biodegradable cheesecloth. My favorite technique involves using smaller pieces for fingers and toes to create extra-creepy details!
3. Apple Cider Candle Holders
Fall in Washington means apple harvest season! After enjoying fresh cider from local orchards like BelleWood Acres in Lynden, save those glass cider jugs and bottles.
Remove labels, add a touch of orange or black non-toxic paint, and insert beeswax candles from local producers. The warm glow through the amber glass creates an eerie atmosphere. For extra spookiness, I sometimes wrap the bottles with twine and attach dried leaves from my backyard.
4. Cedar Branch Witch Brooms
Our abundant cedar trees provide perfect materials for crafting mini witch brooms. Fallen branches can be gathered from your backyard or local parks (with permission) and bundled together with natural twine.
The fragrant cedar adds a sensory element to your decorations while reusing natural materials. My neighbors always ask where I bought these decorative brooms, surprised to learn they’re handmade from materials I collected during my morning walks through Discovery Park!
5. Recycled Paper Bat Colony
Honoring Washington’s native bat populations, I create paper bat silhouettes from old newspapers, junk mail, or brown paper bags. Simply draw bat shapes, cut them out, and hang with biodegradable string.
Group them in clusters on walls or from ceilings to mimic the bat colonies found in places like Lewis and Clark Caverns. Kids love helping with this project! The contrast of the dark paper against light walls creates dramatic shadows when placed near windows or porch lights.
6. Rainwater Glowing Orbs
Capture Washington’s famous rainfall in clear glass jars or containers. Add a drop of natural food coloring and a submersible LED light (reusable year after year) to create glowing potions and orbs.
Line your walkway with these colorful lights or cluster them on porches and tables. My collection includes rainwater from different seasons – some collected during summer thunderstorms and others from gentle autumn drizzles across the Cascade foothills. Each jar tells a weather story!
7. Fallen Leaf Ghost Garlands
Washington’s spectacular fall foliage provides free decoration materials! Collect fallen maple, oak, or birch leaves and press them between books to flatten. Paint simple ghost faces using white non-toxic paint on the dried leaves.
String them together using natural twine to create charming garlands for doorways or windows. Every autumn, my daughter and I spend weekends collecting the most interesting leaf shapes at Washington Park Arboretum, turning our finds into these whimsical ghost chains.
8. Mason Jar Spider Habitats
Celebrating Washington’s spider diversity, repurpose old mason jars into spider habitats! Add twigs, moss, and other natural materials from your garden inside clear jars. Create spiders using pinecones, acorns, or stones connected with twigs.
Place a battery-operated tea light inside for a spooky glow. I’ve named each spider habitat after Washington locations – my favorite is the “Olympic Rainforest” jar featuring moss I collected on a family hike and a spider made from Douglas fir cones.
9. Reclaimed Wood Cemetery Fence
Old wooden pallets or fence boards are abundant in Washington’s agricultural areas. Clean these up and cut them into pointed fence pickets. Arrange them in uneven heights and secure with existing nails or screws.
Add a light coat of weathered gray paint if desired, or leave natural. My neighbor in Tacoma uses reclaimed wood from his grandfather’s barn to create these authentic-looking cemetery fences. The weathered cedar takes on an extra-spooky appearance when morning fog rolls in from Puget Sound.
10. Locally Grown Corn Husk Wraiths
Washington’s corn harvest provides perfect materials for creating ethereal wraiths. Collect corn husks from farmers’ markets like Pike Place or local farms in the Skagit Valley. Soak them briefly, then shape into ghostly figures by twisting and tying with natural twine.
Let them dry completely for a natural, withered appearance. Mine hang from the porch beams, swaying gently in the autumn breeze. Their rustling sound adds an extra spooky element when visitors approach our front door in the evening.
