Trick, Treat, and Trade – celebrating Halloween sustainably with creative costume swaps
Halloween at Williams College is always a lively affair, but this year, the EcoReps at the Zilkha Center for the Environment decided to bring a touch of sustainability to this spooky season. How did we do that? With a Halloween Costume Exchange Event! Our EcoReps’ theme for the month of October was Conscious Consumerism, and this event was just a small piece of the puzzle in our ongoing efforts to encourage more sustainable and thoughtful consumer choices in our community.
Recognizing the common practice of buying brand-new Halloween costumes that are worn only once and then discarded, the EcoReps offered a platform to swap costumes and give them a second life. This event, held at Goodrich on 21st October 2024, was a celebration of conscious consumerism, and the response was overwhelmingly positive.
Let’s be honest: Costumes are fun, but they can also be incredibly wasteful. We’ve all been there—picking out a costume for a single night, only for it to be thrown out after
r one wear. As EcoReps, we wanted to challenge this pattern. We thought, “Why not encourage people to be more thoughtful in their choices?” By organizing this exchange, we aimed to inspire everyone to rethink their shopping habits and embrace a more sustainable, communal approach to Halloween. It was all about making small, conscious changes that add up to a larger impact. And really, what better way to start than by turning Halloween into a chance to swap, share, and save?
The Event: Costumes, Creativity, and Community
We were absolutely amazed by the enthusiasm from the Williams community. It was incredible to see people come forward with their old costumes, each with its own little story. We even received contributions from the Costume Shop at the ‘62 Center for Theatre and Dance, which brought a whole new range of costumes into the mix. From classic
witch hats and capes to quirky, niche character outfits, there was something for everyone.
But the best part of the event? Seeing people pick out matching costumes with their friends. The energy in the room was contagious—friends laughing and helping each other find the perfect pieces, strangers bonding over costume ideas, and everyone getting creative with their choices. It was like watching a community form right before our eyes, with costumes as the glue that brought people together. It was a heartwarming reminder that sustainability isn’t just about the environment; it’s also about building connections and fostering a sense of community.
Challenges and Lessons Learned
Of course, no event is without challenges. The biggest challenge we faced was ensuring that we had a diverse range of sizes and styles for everyone. We realized just how important it is to make sure that everyone feels included, and this is definitely something we’ll focus on for future exchanges. Another hurdle was logistics—getting the word out, coordinating donations, and organizing the costumes on the day of the event. But seeing the sheer joy on people’s faces, the smiles as they found that perfect costume, made every bit of effort worth it. Shoutout to the inflatable dinosaur costume that brought the house down—it was definitely a crowd favorite!
Looking Ahead
So, what’s next for us at EcoReps? After seeing how well the Halloween Costume Exchange went, we’re already brainstorming our next steps. A costume collection bin sits at the Free Store in Goodrich to collect used Halloween costumes to prepare future EcoReps to host the same event next Fall.
Maybe a winter gear swap to prepare for those chilly Williamstown months? Or a back-to-school supplies exchange next fall? There are so many possibilities, and we can’t wait to explore them. The idea is simple—if we can swap costumes, why not swap other things too? After all, our intention is to catalyze the Williams community to be more sustainable in every possible way.
Final Thoughts
Who knew sustainability could be so much fun? Our Halloween Costume Exchange proved that being eco-conscious doesn’t mean sacrificing style or spirit. By swapping costumes, we not only reduced waste but also created a unique and community-driven experience.
And the fun doesn’t stop there! Let’s keep the eco-friendly vibes going throughout this spooky season and any other holiday in the future.
To everyone who donated, participated, and helped make this event a success, thank you! As for the students who attended the event, we hope you left not just with a cool costume but also with a new perspective on how small actions can make a big difference. We long for a more sustainable community, and this relies on the input from each member. Here’s to more eco-friendly Halloweens and a greener, more conscious community!
Written by ZCE Ecoreps 2024-25