Painted pumpkins are another great way to spruce up your pumpkins. Paint on faces, designs, art masterpieces…again, there are so many creative options here! For precise painting, use these acrylic paint markers.
From the research I’ve done on the topic, there seems to be little bit of uncertainty whether or not painted pumpkins can be composted. The fear would be that some of the toxins in the paint would leach into the soil that the compost is added to. From what I’ve researched, I’ve found that some environmental experts say that the acrylic paints do decompose (which is great), but the dyes in the paint do not and may have some metals in their chemical makeup. The consensus is that the amount of paint is so miniscule and this is generally only done once a year so it is ok to compost your painted pumpkin. That said, compost them at your own risk and definitely don’t compost something with a huge amount of toxic paint on it. Alternatively, since acrylic paints are water-based, you can try removing the paint from the pumpkin with a wet paper towel and then throwing the paper towel in the trash and the pumpkin in the compost.
If you decide to throw your painted pumpkin into your organics bin, keep this in mind: whether painted pumpkins are compostable or can be thrown into your green bin is dependent on your city’s Waste Management rules. First, look to see if your municipality accepts food scraps in your organics recycling cart. My organics cart is a green bin that says right on the bin that it allows yard trimmings, leaves, food-soiled cardboard, shredded paper, and food scraps. Since pumpkins are “food scraps”, I will throw mine away in the green organics cart.
I love the crocheted pumpkins with cinnamon sticks stems. Adorable! And your fall photos of all the creative decorating ideas are really great! Can’t wait to make a popcorn jar candle for my table. Great eco-friendly ideas.
Thank you so much Laura!;) The popcorn jar candle has so many variations and possibilities, have fun!
I love those pretty decorations. Photos are really great and more beautiful. Love all these decorations and thank you for sharing these eco friendly items!
Thank you for the compliments Nimalee! I’m glad you enjoyed them!
Great ideas! I wanted a floral/leafy wreath for my table centerpiece and was tempted to go to Michael’s for their not-so-cheap fake greenery. But then I went to Trader Joe’s and got some fresh cut baby’s breath flowers and cut it up to make a really pretty centerpiece that was only a few bucks. And the good thing is that even though it’s a real plant, it is still going to last a long time!
I want to try the dried oranges this year!