Halloween is incomplete without Pumpkins. The pumpkins are delightfully crafted to create jack-o-lanterns.  But within days of Halloween I as I was driving around houses, I noticed that the trash bins by the roadside were full of pumpkins.  The pumpkins had gone straight into household trash causing a huge volume increase in household waste.  This waste can be prevented with little forethought.

There are many ways to put the pumpkin to reuse. If the pumpkins are carved, they are not good for cooking.  In that case they can be added to compost bins. If there is no compost bin in the house donate to the nearest composting center or simply bury them in the garden to decompose and enrich the soil for the garden for next year. Take the pumpkins to a farm for pumpkin smashing fun. Farms use the pumpkin leftovers as feed for cows and also utilize them as a fertilizer for soil. Pumpkins also make a yummy treat for a furry or feathery neighbor. Place unwanted pumpkin seeds in your birdfeeder or the container of your choice, and do some bird-watching while you have your morning coffee.

If the pumpkins are not carved, they can be used to prepare delicious dishes like pumpkin pie or pumpkin bread. The pumpkin seeds can be roasted. Some seeds can be washed and dried and can then be planted the next year.

The key is to think before toss. Keep all parts of the pumpkin out of the landfill.