UPDATE: Australians are gearing up for an extraordinary Halloween, with spending expected to hit a record-breaking $2.32 billion from October 25 to 31, 2024. This marks a significant 10% increase compared to last year, according to ANZ Bank.
As homes across Australia transform with decorative spiders, pumpkins, and fake cobwebs, experts warn that the financial splurge comes with environmental costs. The latest data reveals that Australians are not only investing in costumes for their children but are also fueling the economy across entertainment, retail, food, and beverage sectors during the Halloween week.
In a statement, Kate Britton, head of retail deposits and payments at ANZ, emphasized the event’s wide-reaching impact: “Halloween is now a cross-generational event with strong retail implications.” Particularly, Victorians lead the spending spree, shelling out $613 million during Halloween week, while New South Wales follows closely with $594 million.
With Halloween falling on a Friday this year, participation is projected to surge even higher. However, Sarah Bekessy, a conservation scientist at RMIT University, highlighted the environmental dangers tied to the festivities. “No one wants a night of fun to become a lifetime of grief for our enchanting native wildlife,” she cautioned. The use of single-use plastics in costumes and decorations poses long-lasting harm, taking thousands of years to decompose.
Artificial cobwebs can ensnare insects and birds, while light pollution from festive displays disrupts wildlife sleep patterns. As excitement builds, experts urge Halloween enthusiasts to consider eco-friendly alternatives. Prof. Bekessy recommends using old sheets or cheesecloth instead of fake cobwebs and creating costumes from second-hand shop finds. “And cut down on Halloween lights; it will be spookier,” she added.
As the countdown to Halloween continues, Australians are encouraged to celebrate while being mindful of their environmental footprint. With spending figures reaching new heights, the real question remains: how can we enjoy this spooky season responsibly?
Stay tuned for more updates as this year’s Halloween festivities unfold.
