Scientists agree that single-use plastic is a big problem for our planet. Straws, takeout containers and plastic grocery bags are banned or in the process of being banned in many cities and states across the country. Unfortunately, single-use plastics seem to be built into many of our holiday traditions. Here are some simple tips to help you ditch the single-use plastic candy wrappers this Halloween.

Halloween Candy

Americans bought 600 million pounds of Halloween candy in 2019, and of the top ten most loved brands, eight are wrapped in plastic. For a holiday that encompasses just a single night, that is a whole lot of single-use plastic.

Unfortunately, it’s nearly impossible to recycle plastic wrappers. They’re too small to be sorted effectively by machines or by humans working on a fast-moving sorting line. So wrappers must be thrown in the garbage where they will end up in a landfill.

If you love candy, but hate the waste check out these sweet tips:

• Buy from the Bulk Bins
  Many stores and candy shops offer bulk candy which can be put directly into a container or jar. Even if candy is individually plastic wrapped, buying from the bulk bin eliminates the need for a big plastic package.
• No-Wrapper Candy
  (e.g. candy corn, gummy bears and chocolate covered raisins)
  No-wrapper candies are perfect for candy bowls at home. Some candies can be purchased from the bulk bins with no wrapper, which is the most environmentally friendly option.
• Foil-Wrapped Candy
  (e.g. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Hershey’s Kisses and gold coins)
  While the wrappers will still be too small to recycle, foil is non-toxic and decomposes more rapidly than plastic.
• Paper and Wax Paper-Wrapped Candy
  (e.g. Pixy Stix and Bits-O-Honey)
  Like foil-wrapped candy, these items are too small to be recycled but are less toxic than plastic.
• Paper-Boxed Candies
  (e.g. Nerds, Dots, Milk Duds, chocolate-covered raisins and Junior Mints)
  Paper boxes can be recycled once empty. Unlike plastic wrappers, paper boxes can be shredded into pulp and recycled various paper products. Place empty paper boxes into a paper bag and staple shut before placing in the recycling.

No matter how you celebrate this Halloween, do your part to minimize single-use plastic and reduce your impact on the planet.