As you know, the leaves have turned golden, which calls for—Yes, you are right—Halloween! But as much as you are excited about the event this year, do you have a costume ready for Halloween? If you don’t, there is nothing to worry about. We have brought you a fun way of using recycled materials For Costumes on Halloween.
Using recycled materials will not only save money but also help reduce waste. We can still enjoy Halloween with our favorite look while saving money and the planet.
This blog has compiled a list of DIYs for looking like a creepy robot or a good old creepy mummy.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into 10 exciting DIY ideas using recycled materials for Costumes on Halloween this year—perfect for any ghost, goblin, or ghoul who wants to stay green!
Benefits Of Using Recycled Materials For Costumes on Halloween
Following are the key benefits of using recycled materials for costumes on Halloween:
#1. Less Waste
Repurposing old clothing, packaging, or other materials can significantly decrease the waste generated by single-use Halloween costumes.
#2. Lower Environmental Impact
By using recycled materials for costumes on Halloween, there will be no need for the new production. This means less energy consumption and fewer harmful chemicals will emerge during manufacturing.
#3. Cost-effective
The third most important benefit of using recycled materials for Halloween is saving money. You will not have to buy those hefty ready-made dresses when you upcycle items to make a costume. Thus, our own will cost significantly less than purchasing a new dress. Besides, you will still look Halloween-ready while staying on a budget.
#4. Creativity Boost
Not only will you save money and the environment, but you can also enhance your creativity by putting effort into creating your dress. Gone are the days when people used to get fascinated by store-bought costumes. Now, you can show your creativity by dressing up in the dress you made yourself and showing your friends and family your creative skills.
#5. Raising Awareness
When you choose to use recycled materials for costumes on Halloween, you are taking the initiative to educate others about sustainability and responsible consumption.
Examples Of Recycled Materials For Costumes That You Can Use On Halloween
- Old clothes: With some alterations and accessories, you can transform T-shirts, jeans, jackets, scarves, and hats into various characters.
- Cardboard boxes: Use these to create structures for robots, animals, Jet Halloween costumes made out of cardboard, or even large props.
- Plastic bottles: Cut and shaped into scales for a fish costume or armor for a warrior
- Newspaper: Use these for creating headpieces, masks, or body coverings
- Fabric scraps: You can sew leftover fabric to create unique costume elements.
Last-Minute DIY Ideas Using RECYCLED Materials For Costumes on Halloween
This year, make your own Halloween costume, which is more fun with the ability to have a kind look. Following are 10 DIY recycled costume ideas that you can take inspiration from, which will surely turn some around with the additional factor of being made from recycled materials:
#1. Chucky and Chucky’s Bride Costumes
Complexity Level: High
The first DIY on our last is Chucky and his bride’s costume. This is one of the terrifying characters you show up with on Halloween this year. Here is what you will need:
Materials:
- Sewing machine and accompanying tools
- Dungarees and a striped t-shirt for Chucky
- White dress for the Bride
- Fabric paint
- Bloody “knives” (made from cardboard)
How to make it?
Kiana Bolo, a YouTuber known for her sewing and upcycling skills, created a tutorial for making Chucky and Chucky’s Bride costumes. Although it is a bit difficult, if you like to be creative, I think you can make a good Halloween costume out of it.
First things first, gather your materials. Chucky will need dungarees and a striped T-shirt, while the Bride will require a white dress. Additionally, you’ll need fabric paint to add the signature details and bloody “knives” that can be easily made from cardboard.
Follow Kiana Bolo’s step-by-step instructions video, which will guide you through tailoring the clothing, adding the necessary details, and creating the iconic bloody knives.
This sustainable costume project is a great way to showcase creativity and enjoy a unique Halloween experience.
#2. Plastic Bag Ghost
Complexity Level: Low
Ever wonder what to do with all those plastic bags? Turn them into a ghostly masterpiece. Yes, you can make a quick last-minute costume for your kids, which is time-saving, cost-effective, and sustainable. Here is what you need:
Materials:
- Old white plastic bags,
- Scissors
- A rope or string
- Black marker
How to make it?
Start by cutting the bags into long strips and using the ropes to tie them around your waist as a skirt. Then, take another larger bag for a spooky top or cape. Finish by drawing a ghostly face on one bag and wearing it as a mask. You can also make a ghost face on the cape and add LED lights inside it so it glows in the dark and looks even more spooky and cool.
Besides, don’t forget the trick-or-treat bucket—because even the scariest spirits can’t say no to candy. For more tips and tricks, visit Route Shopping!
#3. A Classic Mummy Costume
Complexity Level: Low
A mummy is a classic Halloween costume that’s easy to make and eco-friendly. Instead of throwing out old white sheets(you can even use fabric bandages), repurpose them by tearing them into strips. Here is what you need.
Materials
- Old white sheets or Fabric Bandages Roll
- Tape
- Old white clothes.
How to make it?
First, tear your old white sheets into long strips and then wrap them around your body by securing them with tape. To complete the look, make sure to dress using recycled materials, such as your old white clothes underneath. Besides using red paint to make it look more scary, you can add creepy details like blood stains on your mouth. Moreover, you can also add bugs like those in the pictures attached here.
#4. Paint Skeleton With Bleach
Complexity Level: Medium
Looking to be a spooky skeleton this year? Making it by yourself with only your good old black shirt and leggings is so simple. Here is what you will need:
Materials
- Old Black Leggings and Shirt
- Rubber gloves
- Bleach Solution (make it using a 1:2 ratio of bleach to water, meaning one part bleach to two parts water.)
- A medium-sized paint brush or spray if you are using stencils
How to make it?
Start by laying your shirt and leggings on a flat surface. Then, put an old cardboard or pizza box underneath the fabric to protect it from the beach and ensure the bleach stays where you want it to.
Then, wear rubber gloves and work in a well-ventilated area, such as outside in your garden or terrace.
Now, you have two options: Make a stencil and spray the solution, or use a call or pencil to draw your skeleton design on the fabric. Then, you can use a brush to apply bleach over the design.
Once you have applied the bleach, wait for it to lift the color off. The waiting depends on the fabric and the desired effect. Generally, you need around 30-40 minutes for a black shirt or leggings to take effect. Finally, Rinse the fabric with cold water and wash it with dish soap or laundry detergent.
Dry your shirt and leggings, and your skeleton DIY costume is ready. Now slay it in front of your friends with a skeleton face painting on your face to complete the eerie look.
#5. Plastic / Fabric Leftover Witch
Complexity Level: Medium
Witches are always in style, especially made from fabric/plastic scraps. Use all your old fabric or plastic bags and turn them into a costume a functional Halloween costume while still saving the environment. To make the witch costume, you need:
Materials:
- Old leftover fabric or Plastic bags,
- Black clothing
- A stick
How to make it?
Start by cutting out strips from leftover fabric or Plastic bags (make sure it is a white and black combo or all white or all black). Now, take a long ribbon and tie the one end of each strip to the ribbon. When you tie the ribbon around the waist, add as many stripes as you need to make a skirt.
Once you’ve made the skirt, wear it with a black shirt and leggings. To make the broomstick for the witch, use the stick and attach some small stripes at one end to give it a broom look. Also, Don’t forget to make a pointy hat from recycled paper or cardboard!
#6. DIY Cardboard Reptile Mask
Complexity Level: Medium
Materials:
- White cardboard box or bristol board
- Scissors or utility knife
- Glue
- Elastics
- Paint (optional)
How to make it?
This project is relatively simple and requires basic crafting skills. First, you need a rectangular, wedge-shaped cardboard box. You can cut the box like that, create a rectangle, and then cut it in a wedge shape. Once you do this, you need to paint the cardboard box to the desired reptile color you want to portray.
After that, cut the teeth shapes from a white cardboard box or bristol board. You can use a variety of shapes and sizes to create a realistic look. Once you have cut out the teeth, glue them to the cardboard box’s interior, making the reptile’s mouth.
To secure the mask, attach elastics to the sides of the cardboard box. These elastics will act as a chinstrap, holding the mask in place. Adjust the length of the elastics to ensure a comfortable fit. You can also attach the same-colored stick to each side of the head at the back to hold it yourself.
Adapt this idea to create a dinosaur head or other reptilian creature.
#7. Cardboard Robot
Complexity Level: Medium
Turn all that leftover cardboard from delivery boxes into a cool robot costume. To make a Halloween robot costume, you’ll need:
Materials:
- Cardboard
- Silver paint
- Tin foil
- Old buttons or bottle caps for “controls.”
- 2 Plastic Cups
How to make it?
Cut two large boxes—one for the body (square box) and one for the head (rectangle box). Paint the boxes silver or cover them in foil to make it look Halloween-friendly.
Once you are done painting them, take the headpiece and cut the look square in front according to your face size. Then, stick the bottle caps on them above the square you cut earlier as eyes for extra flair. Stick bottle caps as buttons on the chest for extra flair. Then, two plastic cups are glued on each side of the head as robotic ears for controls. You can add them to the chest to make it look more like a robot.
Also, don’t forget to paint the edges of the square cute you are in the middle of the box to highlight it.
Once you have assembled the robotic costume, wear something similar to its color or something black to pop the silver costume. You can also be extra by taping foils around arms and legs for a full robotic effect.
#8. Classic Ghost Costume With A Sheet
Complexity Level: Low
Look no further than the classic ghost outfit for a quick and effortless Halloween costume that is spooky and sustainable. This simple yet effective costume requires minimal effort and materials. Here is what you need to do:
Materials:
- White sheet
- Scissors (optional)
- Cool sunglasses
How to make it?
Start by draping a white sheet over your body. If desired, you can cut out holes for the eyes to create a more defined ghostly appearance. However, this is unnecessary, as the sheet creates an eerie silhouette.
Now, you need to add a touch of personality and style. Put on a pair of cool sunglasses. This unexpected accessory will give your ghost costume a unique and modern twist.
This eco-friendly Halloween costume is a great option for those who want to avoid purchasing new items or lack creative DIY skills.
It’s also a perfect excuse to skip the laundry folding and enjoy a cozy night at home. With just a white sheet and sunglasses, you can easily transform yourself into a spooky and stylish ghost for Halloween.
#9. Upcycled Batman Halloween Costume
Complexity Level: High
This is one of the difficult yet nonscary Halloween costumes- a DIY Batman Halloween costume that you can make from recycled materials if you have or manage a sewing machine from a friend/family. But don’t worry if you don’t have it; we will have another neat way. So, don’t worry; you can still wear your cool superhero outfit this Halloween. Here is what you need:
Materials:
- Old pair of suit trousers (charcoal grey)
- Yellow felt
- Black felt
- Glue
- Safety pins
- Scissors
- Sewing machine
- Yellow ribbon (or similar)
- Black ribbon
How to make it?
Here’s a quick overview:
- Repurpose your clothes: Use a black or blue shirt and pants.
- Create a cape: Cut a leg from the pants and sew it up for a classic cape.
- Add details: Use fabric scraps, markers, or paint to create the bat symbol and other information.
Check out our full tutorial at RedTedArt for a step-by-step guide with pictures.
#10. Pumpkin Helmet With Paper Mâché
Complexity Level: High
Make your paper mâché pumpkin helmet for a fun and sustainable Halloween costume. This can be difficult, but I am sure you will have a rewarding experience once you make the helmet for Halloween. Here is what you need to make the helmet:
Materials:
- Plastic bag
- Painter’s tape
- String
- Newspaper or other paper
- Wheatpaste or Elmer’s Glue
- Scissors
- Marker
- Exacto-blade
- Acrylic paint
- Semi-transparent black fabric
- Velcro dots
How to make it?
First, shape your plastic bag into the desired pumpkin shape. Then, use painter’s tape and string to secure the bag to form a perfect pumpkin shape. Then, layer the newspaper or other paper over the plastic bag, using wheat paste or Elmer’s glue as an adhesive. Now, wait for the layers to dry completely before adding more.
Once the paper mâché is dry, carefully remove the plastic bag and cut a hole for the face. Use a marker to outline the eyes, nose, and mouth, and then use an exacto-blade to carve these features.
Paint the pumpkin helmet with acrylic paint in your desired colors. Consider combining orange, green, and brown for a more realistic look.
To create a spooky effect, attach a semi-transparent black fabric to the inside of the helmet using Velcro dots. This will obscure your vision and add a mysterious element to your costume.
These are the top 10 DIY ideas using recycled materials for costumes on Halloween. However, if you can perform DIY or are not creative, you can try other sustainable ways to get recyclable Halloween costumes. For insurance, you can rent a costume, sell your Halloween outfits, swap the outfit with friends, or opt for a second-hand outfit.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, this year, adopting recycled materials for your Halloween costumes is a creative, budget-friendly choice and a significant step towards environmental responsibility.
With various DIY ideas ranging from spooky ghosts to Tetris Halloween costumes, you can transform everyday items into festive attire that showcases your imagination.
By opting for upcycled costumes, you reduce waste, lessen environmental impact, and inspire others to think sustainably. So, whether you’re a crafty individual or looking for a last-minute solution, these recycled costume ideas present a fun way to celebrate Halloween while making a positive difference for our planet.
Enjoy Your Halloween This Year With Creativity!🎃
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to make a costume out of a recycling bin?
There are many DIY ideas for using recycled materials for costumes, such as choosing fun countries to dress up in. Moreover, you can reuse your old shirts, cardboard, safety pins, and paints and combine them all to make a cardboard robot, pumpkin hemp, upcycled Batman, and many other eco-friendly Halloween costumes.
What is a way you can recycle a costume?
To recycle a costume, you can donate it to a charity shop, sell it online, or repurpose its materials to create a new costume or decoration. You can also opt for DIY ideas using recycled materials for costumes on Halloween. This essentially gives it a new life instead of throwing it away, which is the most environmentally friendly option to make more environmental costume ideas.
How do you make a sustainable costume?
There are various ways to use recycled material for a costume, such as thrifting, using natural fabrics, making accessories, renting a costume, and much more. For example, there is a Halloween garbage can costume idea that you can use to wear this Halloween.
How can I reuse my old Halloween costumes?
You can reuse old Halloween costumes made from recycled materials, including repurposing them into Halloween decorations and accessories, revamping the old ones, and creating a completely new outfit. You can also find amazing DIY ideas for Halloween costumes this year.
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