Seven frightfully fun costumes made from recycled materials

Dressing up is one of the best things about Halloween. However, it also can be one of the most wasteful when millions of Americans purchase ready-made costumes, wear them once, then cast them off.

So instead of filling up landfills with once-used plastics and fabrics, get creative and come up with your own unique look made from reused and recycled materials. You'll save money, as well as reduce impact on the planet.

(Photo: Jen Cahill)

Sweet Treats

Jen Cahill snapped this adorable photo of her daughters in cupcake and cotton candy costumes.

These sweet designs were homemade with love from recycled tights, leggings, a laundry basket, and bits of fabric.

We're sure they love saying "trick or treat"!

(Photo: Lenore M. Edman /
www.evilmadscientist.com)

Handmade Crocodile

The creative folk over at Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories made this fearsome crocodile costume out of a cardboard box, some butcher paper, tissue paper, and a little tape.

The site gives detailed instructions on how to fold, cut, and tape it in the right places. Pair with an old clock and a friend dressed as a recycled Captain Hook for a great theme duo (actually, the Peter Pan possibilities may be endless).

Plus, when you are finished scaring your friends and neighbors with your toothy grin, you can easily recycle the cardboard once again.

(Photo: Lizette Greco / Grecolaborativo)

Recycled Witch

Much older than Halloween itself is the figure of the witch, which has taken different forms over the centuries in different parts of the world. Now, the classic costume is getting a green makeover, thanks to Lizette Greco of the family collective Grecolaborativo.

Lizette's crafty witch costume was handmade from recycled fabric (the hat came from a thrift store). The cauldron was made from papier-mâché, wire, and cork, and the accompanying frog, rat, and spider were handmade.

Lizette and her family handmake a delightful array of plush animals and costumes from recycled and reused materials. Most of their designs are based on children's artwork, and they remind all of us to embrace our youthful spirit.

(Photo: kudzutech / Flickr)

Recycled Samurai

This fantastic samurai costume was made from Rubbermaid 32-gallon garbage cans and rubber stoppers. Talk about taking the battle against trash literally!

The costume's creator, Flickr user kudzutech, told TDG that a grateful Rubbermaid has sent him six new garbage cans free for this year's costume.

Of course, that's not quite recycling, but we get the idea.

(Photo: Windell H. Oskay / www.evilmadscientist.com)

Recycled Umbrella Bat

Winged mammals of the night, bats are extremely beneficial to farmers, as well as natural ecosystems (not to mention anyone plagued by mosquitoes). Unfortunately, bats have long been misunderstood, even persecuted, and their numbers have been dwindling due to habitat loss, pollution, and other factors.

But you can show your love for this age-old, warm-blooded symbol of Halloween with a clever, relatively easy costume fashioned from an old umbrella.

Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories shows you exactly how. The only materials you need are an umbrella and a hooded zippered sweatshirt, as well as some common tools: needle and thread, pins, pliers, scissors, and bolt cutters or tin snips.

(Photo: CoderKev / Flickr)

Lego Shaun of the Dea

North Carolina-based Flickr user CoderKev says he came up with this quirky mash-up in a hurry after his original Halloween plans fell through. He had seen a Lego costume on another site, and somehow came up with the idea of mixing it up with the lead from one of his favorite movies.

On Xenomachina, you can get detailed instructions on how to make your own Lego head from Styrofoam and some paint. For the boxy body, find some old cardboard.

Given the enormity of the Lego universe, we're thinking there are a lot of opportunities for individual expression.

(Photo: Courtesy of Jonathan Gleich / segnyc.com)

Segway Zoltar

Last year, New Yorker Jonathan Gleich wowed the Greenwich Village Halloween parade with his whimsical Segway Pirate.

In summer, he took first prize at the Coney Island Mermaid Parade with his homemade Zoltar creation, again using his Segway as a moving base (so clever!).

Gleich told us he normally commutes to work with his Segway (sans outlandish outfit). See behind-the-scenes photos of Zoltar here. Hopefully some memorable costumes will be in your near future.

Have a happy, creative Halloween!

Check out this video of Zoltar in action:

More from The Daily Green

• 19 Great Homemade Costumes Made From Recycled Materials
• Vote for Your Favorite Homemade Halloween Costume
• Nine Sweet Green Halloween Treats
• 10 Weird Uses for Vodka
• 13 Coolest Things Made From Recycled Bottles

Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc

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