Every fall, tens of millions of pumpkins decorate doorsteps and porches across the United States (US). Some are carved into spooky jack-o'-lanterns, while others are used as decorations. But once Halloween is over, most people no longer have a use for them.
Experts estimate that over one billion pounds (453 million kg) of pumpkins end up in landfills each year. That is more than 80 percent of the 1.3 billion pounds purchased annually in the US. The problem extends to other countries that celebrate Halloween as well. In the United Kingdom, about 55 percent of the 39 million pumpkins bought for the holiday go uneaten. That adds up to about $37 million worth of food.
In addition to creating food waste, discarded pumpkins also contribute to climate change. As the pumpkins rot in landfills, they release methane. This greenhouse gas traps much more heat than carbon dioxide over a shorter period.
Fortunately, there is an easy fix to this pollution problem. If the fruits were used as decor, scoop out the edible insides. Roasted pumpkin seeds make a nutritious and tasty snack. The flesh can be used to make a hearty soup, a creamy puree, or a delicious pie. Alternatively, you can donate the pumpkins to local farms or zoos for use as animal feed.
Sagging jack o' lanterns can be dropped off at a local compost center. Even better, seek out an organized "Pumpkin Smash" party and have fun crushing the fruit. The remains will be collected by volunteers and composted.
If the pumpkin is too far gone, bury it in your yard. It will naturally decompose while adding nutrients to the soil. By giving old pumpkins a second life, we can all help reduce waste and protect our environment.
Resources: Sustainablefoodtrust.com, Hubbub.org.uk, Wikipedia.com
