October is upon us and pumpkins will be making their ways onto porches and into the kitchen across the UK.
But with the uptick in pumpkin sales comes food waste. Around 18,000 tonnes of pumpkins end up in waste every year, according to BusinessWaste.co.uk.
While people most often use them to make jack-o-lanterns, there are many more things that pumpkins can be used for each season. Recycling pumpkin scraps into new products can help keep them out of the landfill and help your pocket as well.
Waste experts from BusinessWaste.co.uk have shared six unique and creative ways to put pumpkin leftovers to good use and reduce waste this coming autumn.
Mark Hall, co-founder of BusinessWaste.co.uksaid: “Pumpkins are far more versatile than people think and it’s a shame to make them go to waste so easily. We hope these suggestions will help reduce the pumpkin waste this year and also get people even more excited about pumpkins.”
How to reduce pumpkin waste
1. Pumpkin spice body scrub
A pumpkin spice body scrub is an easy way to exfoliate and nourish your skin, leaving it soft and glowing.
To make this scrub, blend pureed pumpkin with sugar, cinnamon, and coconut oil. The sugar is a natural exfoliant, sloughing off dead skin cells, while the cinnamon adds a warm, comforting scent.
The coconut oil provides moisture, making this an ideal autumn self-care treat.
2. Pumpkin soup bowl
Add a rustic, seasonal touch to your dinner table by using a hollowed-out pumpkin as a serving bowl.
This is perfect for hearty soups or stews, adding also a subtle pumpkin flavour. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet meal at home, using a pumpkin as a bowl enhances the seasonal experience and offers an eco-friendly alternative to traditional serving dishes.
3. Pumpkin pet treats
Pumpkin is a highly nutritious and dog-friendly ingredient, making it the ideal base for homemade pet treats.
To create these healthy snacks, mix pumpkin puree with oats and peanut butter. These treats are rich in fibre, which can aid digestion for your pet, while the peanut butter adds a tasty twist that most dogs love.
Make them treats that are free from preservatives and artificial ingredients – and your furry friends will appreciate the extra care.
4. Pumpkin ice cream
Celebrate the flavours of autumn with a batch of pumpkin ice cream. Blend pumpkin puree with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, then mix it with a creamy base to create a rich, seasonal dessert.
The pumpkin adds a velvety texture and a mild sweetness, while the spices bring out the seasonal feeling.
5. Pumpkin candle scent infuser
For a natural and aromatic home scent, try making a pumpkin candle scent infuser. Hollow out a small pumpkin and fill it with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and a tea light.
As the candle warms the spices, it releases a warm, spicy fragrance that fills your home with the essence of autumn. It’s a simple, eco-friendly way to enjoy the seasonal scent without using synthetic air fresheners or candles.
6. Pumpkin lanterns
Put a modern spin on traditional jack-o’-lanterns by creating pumpkin lanterns. Instead of carving faces, use geometric patterns or drill small holes in intricate designs.
When lit from inside with a candle, the lanterns cast beautiful patterns and shadows, creating a soft, warm glow. These lanterns are perfect for both indoor and outdoor spaces, adding a touch of seasonality to your autumn decor.
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