Smash It, Don't Trash it! Pumpkin Recycle

It's A Pumpkin Palooza That's A Howl!

There are many ways to recycle pumpkins.  This is one of our favorites.

Pumpkin Smash? No, we don't mean smash your neighbor's pumpkins for Halloween!  We are talking about an after Halloween pumpkin smash that ends up in a great big compost pile.

Your town doesn't have one?  Why not organize a pumpkin smash in your town just like the recent Pumpkin Smash in Newton, MA?  So simple and it all goes to a good cause!

If you are not composting yourself, here is a fun way to compost that will entertain the kids and extend the Halloween season. Smash for a reason.

It's a win win.

See what a smashing time our friends Alexis and Max had when they attended the Pumpkin Smash. Here are their photos!

Smashing Pumpkin Recycle Event Newton, MA

Everyone having a smashing time!

Alexis and Max All done!

How to Recycle Pumpkins After the Holidays

Halloween and Thanksgiving are over, what are the best ideas on Earth for recycling pumpkins?

The Greatest list for Earth Saving Ideas to reduce and reuse pumpkins:

• Eat them! Pumpkins are high in Vitamin E and A and Fiber so make a healthy Pumpkin recipe...Yum.
• Eat the seeds, dry them. Another Yum!
• Compost them in your garden compost
• Give them away. Offer them to a neighbor or friend w a compost bin  (if you don't have one).

  

  Planet them.  Kids can watch them grow!

• Bring them to a farm that has animals that eat them. Did you know cows & cattle love pumpkins? Do call or ask first if they accept them. 
• Plant Them. Cut each top off, so that the pumpkin looks like a plant pot. Fill it with dirt. Then watch the seeds grow into new pumpkin seedlings!
• Recycle them! Every town is different so double check the rules.
• Smash them! Bring them to a pumpkin smashing in your town

NOTE: Don't leave them to degrade outside if you don't want mice, moles, squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits or woodchucks coming to your yard. They love them!

Thanks for being a Planetpal!

17 Great 'E'cology Tips To Help You Make A Greener World on Thanksgiving!

Planetpals Puts An 'E' In Your Thanksgiving and Turns It Green

Some clever ways to green your Thanksgiving holiday and make it more memorable and meaningful for the entire family and Earth!

1.    When food and holiday shopping, combine trips. It saves gas and energy

2.    Buy in bulk: Such as using large soda containers instead of many small cans

3.    Bake your pies and dishes in reusable pans not disposable aluminum 

4.    Cook Many things in your oven at the same time to save energy

5.    Light a fire in the hearth to save on energy. Even better, make newspaper logs!

6.    Have a cooler with drinks for a large gathering because opening and closing the fridge lets the cold air out  and uses more energy

7.    Have  a designated Recycle Bin for guests Use Planetpals Free Recycle Sign

8.    Use cloth napkins, placemats and table covers. It not only makes the day more special and it saves paper!

9.    Make your own paper place cards and menus. Make them from your own handmade paper.  See Planetpals Paper Making Recipe.

10.  Make delicious recipes from those decorative pumpkins, berries and gourds (yes, you can cook some varieties) leftover after the holiday. Don't just throw them away!

11.  Recycle your decorations from year to year.

12.  Make decorations from recycled materials. This is a great craft for kids!

13.  Make paper mache decorations such as paper mache pumpkins. They not only can be reused, but you reuse paper! See Planetpals Paper Mache Recipe.

14.  It takes a lot of energy to make new containers, paper products and packaging. Be diligent, recycle all your newspapers, cans, bottles, plastics, cardboard and other materials.

15.  Make decorations from edibles such as fruit and cloves. The options are endless, just use creativity. Then, have a feast!

16. Make a Thankful Turkey teach kids to give thanks for the good things in life!

Get the Thankful Turkey! 

17. Lastly, learn all kinds of eco-friendly and fun Thanksgiving tips, tricks and crafts - Read the Thanksgiving Journal.

Always Remember the 4 "R"s. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Repair!

Get this Thanks & Giving Thanksgiving Activity