NYLA HARRIS / ASST. A&C EDITOR

JACKIE MARQUEZ / OPINION EDITOR

Spooky season is here, and many are  scrambling  to get their costumes together, before Halloween day arrives. While it’s convenient to buy a pre-made costume, there are better options when it comes to curating the perfect costume.

Pop-up Halloween stores like Spirit Halloween are an iconic staple to spooky season. However, the costumes they provide are far from sustainable. Made primarily of plastic, costumes by fast-fashion brands like Spirit Halloween aren’t made to last multiple wears. A study conducted by Hubbub, an environmental charity based in the United Kingdom, found that one out of four Halloween costumes is only worn once. These costumes are practically made to be thrown out, and they generate nearly 2,000 pounds of plastic waste annually in the U.K. , Hubbub found.

Despite their poor quality, these costumes still fall on the costlier side. Most adult-sized Halloween costumes cost between $40 and $70… and this is just for the costumes themselves. If you want accessories, wigs or special-effects makeup you’ll have to shell out even more money. On top of that, they’re rarely unique. Halloween chains capitalize on the current year’s trends; this year your local store is sure to be full of costumes inspired by Greta Gerwig’s blockbuster “Barbie.” Buying from chain stores, ensures that you won’t be the only person wearing your costume. 

There may be temptation to give in and buy a quick costume from fast fashion brands because of their convenience; however, there are more sustainable and affordable ways to participate in the tradition of dressing up. Second-hand stores around San Diego offer a wide variety of Halloween costumes and accessories, perfect for Oct. 31 and Halloweekend.   

Thrift stores are an easy and accessible way to shop for a Halloween costume.  Around the USD campus alone, there are over 10 thrift stores within a five-mile radius. Shopping at a local thrift store is a simple way to go green. Disposing of unwanted clothing takes a toll on the environment, so choosing to buy second-hand clothing over brand-new is the ultimate way to “reuse, reduce, recycle.” Thrifting also has more unique options than big-brand stores. Since second-hand stores rely on donations, the pieces vary in age, style and brand. This allows for more creativity   and  personalization.

So, if you want a Halloween costume that is affordable, sustainable and unique, consider buying an outfit second-hand.  It’s an environmentally friendly way to execute the best and spookiest costume this Halloween.