UPDATE: The City of Tulsa is urging residents to embrace eco-friendly practices as Halloween approaches, with just two weeks until the spooky festivities on October 31. In a recent announcement, the city’s Waste Management Department shared critical sustainability tips to help reduce waste during this popular holiday.
As neighborhoods transform into haunted scenes with fake cobwebs and decorations, officials emphasize the importance of minimizing environmental impact. Many Halloween items, such as costume masks, typically end up in landfills, contributing to the ongoing waste crisis. To combat this alarming trend, the city encourages residents to opt for face painting instead of disposable masks. This temporary solution washes away easily, avoiding the long-term environmental repercussions associated with plastic waste.
In addition to face painting, the city advocates for using cloth or metal alternatives to traditional candy bags. This shift is designed to combat the prevalence of single-use plastics, which are notoriously difficult to break down and contribute significantly to pollution. “At the City of Tulsa, we always want to encourage our residents to find new ways to reduce waste and reduce recycling contamination. Small changes lead to big impacts in becoming a more sustainable city,” stated Philip Eakes, Refuse and Recycling Manager.
As the clock ticks down to Halloween, residents are reminded that not all items are recyclable. While aluminum cans, glass bottles, and clean cardboard from candy packaging can be recycled, candy wrappers, fabric costumes, and synthetic decorations should be disposed of in the gray trash cart. This insight aims to prevent contamination in recycling streams and enhance Tulsa’s environmental efforts.
The city’s proactive approach highlights the importance of community involvement in sustainability. With rising concerns over climate change and pollution, the residents of Tulsa have a unique opportunity to make a difference during this festive season. By adopting these eco-friendly practices, they can enjoy Halloween while protecting the planet for future generations.
As Halloween night approaches, residents are encouraged to share their own sustainable celebrations on social media, inspiring others to join the green movement. The City of Tulsa’s initiative not only promotes waste reduction but also fosters a sense of community and responsibility among its citizens.
Stay tuned for more updates on how Tulsa is leading the charge toward a greener future this Halloween season!
