A Spook-tacular & Sustainable Halloween for Kids (and Candy Lovers!)
As the air turns crisp and leaves crunch underfoot, Halloween season is here. It’s a time for imagination, costumes, and (of course) candy. At Portco (and EarthGuard), we love a good celebration that also supports sustainability and community, so we’ve rounded up a few ideas to help you and your little ghosts enjoy a fun, safe, and eco-friendly Halloween this year.
Candy, Costumes & Community Fun
There’s something timeless about trick-or-treating, the giddy run from house to house, the laughter of friends in costumes, the joy of sorting through the candy haul afterward. You can keep the magic alive while minimizing waste and supporting your community:
Ditch the plastic pumpkin: Use a reusable tote, pillowcase, or decorated bucket for candy collecting.
Shop local: Look for candies made by local confectioners or brands with recyclable or compostable wrappers. These can be rare, but thank whoever makes these available; they’re thinking green!
Costume creativity: Reuse or swap costumes with friends, add new accessories, or upcycle old materials into something brand-new.
Candy sorting party: After trick-or-treating, let kids pick their favorites, trade extras, or donate leftovers to local charities or food drives.
Sustainability Tips for a Greener Halloween
At Portco (and EarthGuard), sustainability is more than a talking point; it’s part of how we design, package, and think. Here’s how those same principles can make your Halloween cleaner and greener:
Reuse and repurpose — Keep decorations and costumes year to year.
Compost pumpkins — Roast the seeds, compost the rest!
Choose less packaging — Seek out treats with paper, foil, or recyclable film over plastic. These too are very rare, especially with concerns about tampering, etc., so you might only see this kind of treat between family members or close friends. In any case, thank those that are thinking this way.
Walk your route — Stick to a close neighborhood or local event instead of driving between stops.
LED and battery lights — Safer, reusable, and energy-saving for your haunted displays.
Portland’s Best Trick-or-Treat Spots (within 30 minutes)
If you’re planning your Halloween route, here are some of our favorite family-friendly, local trick-or-treat destinations around the Portland metro area — each known for festive spirit, community safety, and great photo ops.
Multnomah Village (SW Portland)
A picture-perfect neighborhood full of charm and community warmth. Local shops host a family-friendly trick-or-treat parade on Halloween afternoon. Great for younger kids!
When: October 31, 3:30–5:30 PM
Where: SW Capitol Hwy, between 31st Ave and 36th Ave
Why we love it: Walkable, close-knit, and great small-business participation.
Bethany Village (NW Portland)
Bethany’s annual Halloween Hunt at the Village Centre (4720 NW Bethany Blvd) features local shops giving out candy, costume contests, games, and more.
When: October 31, 3:00–6:00 PM
Why we love it: Family-focused and easy to navigate; all treats, no traffic.
Alberta Arts District (NE Portland)
Creative, quirky, and full of local flavor, Alberta transforms into a Halloween wonderland with shop-to-shop trick-or-treating, art events, and live music.
When: October 31, 3:00–6:00 PM
Where: NE Alberta St, between 12th Ave and 31st Ave
Why we love it: Artistic atmosphere, pedestrian-friendly, tons of costume inspiration.
Bonus: Beyond Portland
Want to go a little further? Try:
Downtown Troutdale – classic small-town Halloween charm along the Columbia River.
The Gorge Outlets (Troutdale) – special extended trick-or-treat hours with participating stores.
Oregon Zoo’s “Howloween” – a sustainable spin on the holiday with animal-themed candy stations and eco-education. This is still in Portland, just a bit outside the neighborhood box.
Halloween, the Portco & EarthGuard Way
Halloween can be just as sweet without all the waste. Whether you’re choosing compostable candy wrappers, walking your neighborhood route, or decorating with materials you can reuse next year, every little decision adds up.
At Portco (and EarthGuard), we believe sustainability and celebration can coexist beautifully, in our packaging, in our communities, and in every treat we unwrap.
Have a Happy, Safe & Sustainable Halloween!
May your costumes be clever, your pumpkins be bright, and your candy haul be full, all while leaving a lighter footprint on our planet.
Learn More
Explore how Portco’s EarthGuard™ sustainable packaging solutions help brands reduce waste year-round — not just on Halloween.
♻️ Want to learn more about sustainable packaging options for your business? Visit Portco.com or explore here at EarthGuard.Solutions to explore packaging solutions that protect your products AND the planet!