Acton Market will play host to a Halloween costume swap, giving people the chance to save money and have a sustainable spooky season.

More than half of Halloween costumes bought are only worn once, meaning they end up discarded. Through the Halloween costume swap, you can give a new lease of life to clothes that children and adults no longer need.

The costume swap at the Reduce and reuse hub in Acton Market, on Friday 25 October, from 3:30pm to 5:00pm, is supported by Ealing Council and other partners, and is one of a growing number of activities to reduce waste and show a commitment to the circular economy.

The circular economy involves keeping products and materials in use for as long as possible, minimising waste, and reducing the demand for new resources. Instead of the traditional economy, where items are used and discarded, the circular approach emphasises reuse, repair, and recycling. This is crucial for reducing environmental impacts and ensuring a more sustainable future.

To make the event a success, donations are urgently needed for the swap. You can drop off clean and good condition Halloween clothing and accessories that are no longer needed are at the following places:

• From Friday 11 October to Thursday 24 October at: Act One Cinema, The Old Library, 119-121 High Street, Acton, London W3 6NA
• Wednesday 23 October – Ealing Broadway Shopping Centre, W5 5JY (next to Library of things) TBC

Get involved in circular economy

Here are some more ways residents can take part in the circular economy this Halloween and help reduce waste:

• buy an edible pumpkin

Millions of pumpkins end up in the bin once Halloween is over. Field pumpkins are the popular variety sold in supermarkets and are characterised by having a very hard, dark green hooked stem. These are usually bitter and unappetising. Consider buying a Crown Prince pumpkin, which is regarded as the best in the UK for eating. Once the celebrations are over, you can make a meal with your pumpkin and cut down on food waste. Eat like a Londoner has recipes and tips on cutting down on food waste.

• borrow instead of buying

The Library of Things at Ealing Broadway Shopping Centre offers residents the chance to borrow items instead of buying them for one-time use. For a small fee, you can rent everything from a sewing machine to power tools. By renting, you’re not only saving money but also preventing items from being wasted after only a single use.

• mend your clothes

If you experience any spooky wardrobe malfunctions during your Halloween celebrations, come along to the Ealing Repair Cafe where skilled volunteers will help repair your worn or damaged clothing, while teaching you how to patch, darn, and mend your textiles. All levels of sewing are welcome, and a small £3 donation is requested to cover the cost of materials.

• explore the Ealing zero waste map

Take advantage of the Ealing zero waste map an online tool that highlights locations where you can reduce waste in your daily life. The map shows everything from food and clothes banks to refill stores, repair services, charity shops, and even water refill stations. These resources help create an economy where things are kept in use for longer, reducing the overall demand for new products. We’re always looking for new places to add to the map, so, if you have a place you would like to add, email recyclingteam@ealing.gov.uk.

‘Small changes have a big impact’

Councillor Paul Driscoll, the council’s cabinet member for climate action, said: “Participating in the circular economy this Halloween is a wonderful opportunity for residents to make small changes that have a big impact. From reusing and repairing to reducing waste, everyone can contribute to creating a greener borough.

“We are committed to reducing unnecessary waste through increasing reuse and recycling and providing residents with more options to be sustainable. We pledged to open Ealing’s first Library of Things, which opened in summer.

“We are also working with West London Waste Authority to transform the old Acton waste depot on Stirling Road into the first reuse and repair centre of its kind in London.

“Residents will be able to repair and reuse electronics, bicycles, clothes, furniture and lots more. There will be classes to give people the skills to live more sustainably and reduce the amount going to landfill.”

For more information on events and how to get involved, visit the ReLondon website or go to the council’s website for further details on local initiatives.