Brighton council tells people to make own Halloween pumpkins

Brighton and Hove City Council is telling residents to celebrate Halloween differently this year with handmade cardboard pumpkins, instead of the orange winter squash synonymous with the festive season.

It is also urging people to get creative with their costumes this year by using items already around the house.

A spokesman said: "A black and white striped t-shirt and chunky brown belt can be fashioned into a pirate or an old pillowcase can make a variety of costumes for children, including a ghost or even a convincing Gollum."

Youngsters across the city go out on October 31 to celebrate the spooky day (Image: Pexels/Yaroslav Shuraev)

It comes as recent studies revealed some 18,000 tonnes of pumpkins go to waste across the country each year - about the same as 1.5 double-decker buses, and that two in five costumes are worn once before being thrown away.

"Halloween is a perfect time to get crafty with paper, card and old ribbons to make some spooky decorations," said a council spokesman.

Decorations outside Emma Scott-Childs' front door in Hove (Image: Andrew Gardner / The Argus)

And, if people decide to carve out a traditional pumpkin - it is encouraging residents to make the most of it with a nutty soup or stew.

Every part of a pumpkin is edible including the seeds, flesh and the stringy slimy centre and the Brighton and Hove Food Partnership has a list of recipes on their website.

Read more: Decorations are up at city's first Halloween house

Councillor Tim Rowkins, chair of the city environment, south downs and the sea committee, said: “Making positive changes for the environment doesn’t have to be scary, so we’re encouraging residents to have a waste-free Halloween this year.

“It’s an opportunity to get creative with your friends and family and make the most of what we’ve already got around the house to have a fun and sustainable Halloween celebration.

“Pumpkins are too good to be thrown away. By baking, roasting and toasting, residents are taking steps to protect the planet. Remember, carving pumpkins are still edible.

“If you’re unlikely to eat the pumpkin, it’s best not to carve one so it isn’t going to waste.

"Why not give a gourd, swede or butternut squash a spooky makeover if you’re more likely to eat them?

“By thinking outside the box and getting creative, we can make all make a big difference on our environment this Halloween.”