5 Creative Ways to Reuse Your Halloween Pumpkin

As Halloween draws to a close, many of us are left with glowing memories… and a sad, slumping pumpkin on the doorstep. Each year, an estimated 20 million pumpkins are binned across the UK, most of them perfectly edible. That’s a staggering amount of food waste from a single night of fun.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. With a little creativity, your carved creation can have a second act — in your kitchen, your compost, or even your skincare routine. Here are a few simple ways to keep your pumpkin out of the bin this autumn:

1. Save Those Seeds: Don’t let those little gems go to waste and scoop out those pumpkin innards! Pumpkin seeds can be toasted with a sprinkle of salt (or cinnamon sugar if you’ve got a sweet tooth) for a crunchy snack. They’re packed with nutrients and make a lovely topping for salads, porridge, or soups.
2. Compost Enrichment: If your pumpkin’s past its prime, composting is a brilliant option. Pumpkins break down beautifully in the compost heap, adding moisture and valuable nutrients to enrich your garden soil. Just be sure to remove any candles or glitter before you toss it in.
3. Pumpkin Soup or Pie: That orange flesh is full of flavour. Scoop it out, roast it, and blend it into a hearty autumn soup. Or turn it into a silky puree for a classic pumpkin pie, the kind that makes your kitchen smell like cinnamon and comfort.
4. Pumpkin Bread or Muffins: Give your morning coffee something special to pair with. Pumpkin puree adds moisture and natural sweetness to bread or muffins, making them soft and perfect for chilly mornings.
5. Natural Face Mask: Pumpkin is rich in vitamins A and C, which can do wonders for your skin. Mix a spoonful of pumpkin puree with honey and yoghurt for a simple, natural face mask that feels like a little autumn indulgence.

This Halloween, let’s make a small but meaningful change. Reuse, reimagine, and reduce waste, one pumpkin at a time. After all, sustainability starts with simple choices made at home (ideally with a good cup of coffee in hand).