Copyright fox2now
ST. LOUIS - Trying to get rid of your unused pumpkins from Halloween? Instead of throwing them in garbage, there are plenty of simple, sustainable, and even fun ways to give your pumpkins a second life. The United States Department of Energy estimates more than 1 billion pounds of pumpkins are thrown away each year—creating methane emissions as they decompose. Methane is a harmful greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change, with more than 20 times the warming effect of carbon dioxide (CO2). Composting is one of the best ways to dispose of pumpkins as it breaks down into nutrient-rich organic matter which helps enrich soils. In addition to this, you can actually donate your Halloween pumpkins to local farms, including Longmeadow Rescue Ranch. Shana Cook, Direcor of Events for the Humane Society and Longmeadow Rescue, says the animals love to eat pumpkins - including their pigs, goats, horses and even some birds. Longmeadow Rescue Ranch is happy to take your leftover pumpkins as long as they meet certain conditions: For more on donating, please contact Longmeadow Rescue Ranch during operating business hours.
