4 WAYS TO USE YOUR PUMPKIN WASTE!

When Halloween ends, millions of pumpkins end up in landfills, adding more than a billion pounds of waste each year. But your pumpkin doesn’t have to be one of them. With a little creativity, you can transform it into food, beauty, & sustainable home projects that keep every part of it out of the trash. Here are four simple and beautiful ways to give your pumpkin new life.

1. Roast the Seeds 

Boil the seeds for 5 mins, rinse, toss them with olive oil & sea salt, & roast them in the oven at 350°F for about fifteen minutes. They are full of magnesium, iron, & plant-based protein, making them the perfect quick snack! I usually finish these the day they’re made 

2. Turn the Rinds into Natural Clothing Dye

Instead of throwing away the skins, use them to make a natural golden dye for fabrics like cotton, hemp, or linen. Cut the rind into small pieces, simmer them in water for about an hour, then strain the liquid. Soak your pre-washed fabric in the warm dye bath & add a splash of vinegar or alum to help the color hold. The result is a soft, earthy shade that feels both warm & sustainable.

3. Pumpkin Hair Mask

Blend half a cup of pumpkin purée with two tablespoons of coconut milk, one tablespoon of olive oil, & one tablespoon of maple syrup. Apply the mixture to damp hair & let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes before rinsing. The vitamins A & E in pumpkin help soften & hydrate your hair, leaving it shiny & smooth. Every ingredient is natural & compostable, turning self-care into a zero-waste fall ritual

4. Bake a Homemade Pumpkin Pie

When in doubt, bake. Roast your pumpkin flesh until tender & blend it into a smooth purée. Combine it with coconut milk, cinnamon, and a touch of maple syrup for a rich, plant-based dessert. You can add more brown sugar if you prefer your pie to be on the sweeter side! Bake at 350 for 30 mins let it cool! Homemade pumpkin pie is comfort food at its best & a delicious way to use every bit of your pumpkin.