Pumpkins and gourds come in all forms and colors. They’re everywhere this time of year, from edible pumpkins and decorative gourds to bi-color Emini-pumpkins and huge prize winners weighing in at over 400 pounds.
The U.S. produces about 990,000 tons (more than 2.1 billion pounds) of pumpkins annually. It’s estimated that about 1 billion pounds of pumpkins are thrown into landfills each year after Halloween and Thanksgiving. As pumpkins and gourds become even more common as fall decorations, it behooves us to consider the environmental impact of this behavior.
HERE ARE SOME WAYS TO REDUCE PUMPKIN WASTE:
You can eat most pumpkins: Although small pie pumpkins make the best pies and deserts, larger pumpkins can be used for soups, pancakes or muffins.
Roast pumpkin seeds for a delicious, nutritious snack: Just add oil and salt before toasting seeds in the oven at 325 degrees for about 20 minutes (or more depending on desired crispness). This is a snack you can feel good about eating, as nutrient-rich pumpkin seeds are packed with essential nutrients, including protein, fiber, healthy fats (such as omega-3 fatty acids), magnesium, zinc and vitamin E. The high fiber content promotes healthy digestion.
Pass along your pumpkins: Consider donating your discarded pumpkins to a local zoo, animal shelter, farm (for pigs and chickens) or community garden.
Feed the birds: Hollowed-out pumpkins can be filled with birdseed and left for our feathered friends during the increasingly colder weather.
Create compost: Cut up your pumpkins and add them to your compost pile. This addition enriches the soil.
Feed the wildlife: Toss discarded pumpkins into the woods or in empty fields for wildlife to enjoy. They will provide welcome sustenance for birds, butterflies, deer, rabbits and squirrels. Don’t feed painted pumpkins to wildlife, as they may be toxic.
This season, let your pumpkins do more than decorate. With a little thought, they can feed and enrich long after the holidays have passed.