Halloween is a time for creativity, fun and a bit of spooky magic. But when we shop for elaborate new costumes and decorations, the holiday can also take a toll on our wallets and the environment.
According to a 2023 survey by the National Retail Federation, Americans spent an estimated $12.2 billion on Halloween costumes and decorations — a record high. As exciting as it is to see Halloween spirit on the rise, this surge in spending often comes with a hidden cost: the environmental impact of single-use costumes and decorations.
The simple fact is, we can still celebrate in style while being kind to your budget and the planet. Shopping for your Halloween costumes at Goodwill Central Coast is a great way to create a unique look, save money, and reduce waste. Here’s why you should consider making the switch to thrifted costumes this Halloween.
The environmental impact
Many store-bought Halloween costumes are designed to be worn once and then tossed aside. These costumes are often made from non-recyclable materials such as polyester, which is derived from petroleum and can take hundreds of years to decompose. When you consider that millions of people buy new costumes every year, the environmental impact is staggering.
By choosing a costume that has already had one or more lives before reaching your closet, you’re reducing demand for the production of new costumes and the resources required to make them. Plus, when you’re done with your costume, you can donate it back to Goodwill for someone else to enjoy next year, creating a cycle of reuse.
Show your creative side
One of the best parts about shopping at GCC is the opportunity to get creative. Instead of picking up a pre-packaged costume, you can mix and match pieces to create something unique. Whether you want to dress up as a classic character, put a modern twist on a traditional costume, or come up with something entirely original, thrift shopping gives you the flexibility to make it happen.
For example, instead of buying a brand-new witch costume, why not piece together a vintage-inspired look with a black dress, a wide-brimmed hat, and some creative accessories? Or, if you’re aiming for something quirky, you can find clothing that can be repurposed as part of a DIY costume — such as turning a suit into a dapper zombie or a prom dress into a ghostly figure from the past.
Not only will your costume stand out from the crowd, but you’ll also spend a fraction of what you would at a traditional retail store. With Goodwill’s affordable prices, you can put together an amazing costume for just a few dollars, leaving more room in your budget for other Halloween treats.
Supporting a worthy cause
Shopping at Goodwill Central Coast isn’t just good for your wallet and the environment — it also supports your local community. The money you spend at Goodwill helps to fund job training programs, employment services, and other community initiatives.
So, when you shop for your Halloween costume at Goodwill, you’re not only making a sustainable choice, but you’re also contributing to a better future for your neighbors.
Remember, Goodwill is so much more than our retail stores. Behind the scenes we employ hundreds of locals in well-paying jobs with benefits. Your purchases and all their hard work pays off handsomely with our programs to remove obstacles to employment in Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Luis Obispo counties.
Tips for thrifting your costume
Ready to start thrifting your Halloween get-up? Here are a few tips to make the most of your shopping trip:
- Go early and often: The best finds go fast, so start your search early in the season. Visit your local Goodwill regularly to catch new inventory as it arrives.
- Be open-minded: Keep an open mind and be willing to think outside the box. Sometimes the best costumes come from unexpected items.
- Bring a friend: Shopping with a friend can make the experience more fun, and they can offer helpful suggestions or spot great finds you might have missed.
- Look for versatile pieces: Try to find items that can be repurposed or worn again outside of Halloween. A stylish jacket or dress could be the base for a costume now and a great addition to your wardrobe later.
- Don’t forget the kids: Thrifting a Halloween costume is even smarter for the little ones, because what are the chances they’ll fit into that costume next year, or will even want to go as the same thing again? Parents often donate children’s costumes to Goodwill at the end of the season, so you might even find the exact costume your child wanted, and chances are it’s only been worn once. Remember, too, that old dance costumes are perfect for fairies or princesses.
- Donate when you’re done: When Halloween is over, consider donating your costume back to Goodwill so someone else can enjoy it next year.
Make this Halloween one to remember
This Halloween, make a statement by choosing a costume that’s as good for the planet as it is for your wallet. By shopping at Goodwill Central Coast, you can avoid the pitfalls of single-use costumes, unleash your creativity, and support your community — all while having a spook-tacular time.
If you’re having trouble finding inspiration, head to one of our stores anyway, and ask a GCC associate for help. For many of them, this is NOT their first Halloween season and they are full of ideas to get you started!
So head to your nearest GCC retail outlet and start building a costume that’s uniquely you!
