Zero Waste McMaster’s Hike and Halloween workshop encouraged students to enjoy the season and adopt practical, sustainable habits both for Halloween and throughout the year

Zero Waste McMaster organized a Hike and Halloween workshop to promote sustainable practices among students on Oct. 29, 2024. The event consisted of a hike through Cootes Paradise, followed by a workshop focused on reducing waste during Halloween festivities.

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Co-president of Zero Waste McMaster Sonia Chernov spoke to the Silhouette about the event before it occurred. Participants learned ways to repurpose pumpkin scraps, with a pumpkin scrap cookbook available on the Zero Waste McMaster website. “Our goal is for students to leave with sustainability-related skills that are easy to implement and can be used in the long run,” said Chernov.

Our goal is for students to leave with sustainability-related skills that are easy to implement and can be used in the long run.

Sonia Chernov, Co-President
Zero Waste McMaster

To minimize waste this Halloween season, Chernov urges students to use thrift stores or DIY methods for costumes, noting that full costumes are often available for reuse. For those interested in creating their own costumes, Chernov highlighted resources available at the Makerspace in Thode Library, where students can make and sew costumes.

Regarding decorations, students are encouraged to use natural, biodegradable materials like leaves and corn husks. The workshop promoted using heirloom or deformed pumpkins for decoration, which can serve the same purpose as conventional pumpkins but result in less waste.

In addition to the Hike and Halloween workshop, Zero Waste McMaster has planned a series of future initiatives. Chernov mentioned that future plans include a mending workshop at the Thode Makerspace in November, a sustainable holidays workshop in December and various campus cleanups. Other events will focus on topics such as cooking with food scraps and making Valentine’s Day cards from homemade paper.

Students interested in participating in these events or becoming involved with Zero Waste McMaster can sign up as general members through the organization’s Linktree.

Jennifer Bacher
The Silhouette

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Fall is here! The leaves are changing, the temperature is dropping, and everything is pumpkin spice. Here are some things you must do before you dig out your mittens and toques because winter is coming.

  1. Visit a Local Farm – Go pick some apples and carve a pumpkin. Visit Dyment’s Farm in Dundas on Sydenham Road.
  2. Attend a craft show – Many neighbouring towns host outdoor craft shows such as Ball’s Falls in the Niagara region this weekend. Learn more about the Thanksgiving festival here: http://ballsfalls.ca/whats-on/thanksgiving-festival/
  3. Hike – Why not take a study break by exploring the outdoors. Go to Webster Falls or walk along the Bruce Trail.
  4. Go to cheer on your favourite team – Football isn’t the only sport that has games you can go and watch. Show your Marauder spirit for other teams like rugby, field hockey and soccer.
  5. Canada’s Wonderland Halloween Haunt – Nothing’s better then getting chased around a theme park and riding roller coasters at night.
  6. Rockton’s World Fair – This fair first started in 1852 and is not to be missed. Rides, food trucks, and a demolition derby are just some of the many events. This fair runs from Oct. 11 – 14. More info can be found at http://www.rocktonworldsfair.com
  7. Do a Haunted Hamilton Tour – Walk around the downtown area at night and learn some creepy history. Visit http://hauntedhamilton.com/ghostwalks for tour times.
  8. Niagara-on-the-Lake Heritage District – Visit the many shops on Queen Street and have some Cows ice cream before it gets too cold!
  9. Go for a Bike ride on the Rail Trail – This 32-km trail starts in Hamilton and ends in Brantford. The trail starts on Main St. W and Ewen Rd in Hamilton but there are many access points, such as on Emerson street before Ward Ave.
  10. Visit a Haunted House – Nightmare on Elmore is a Hamilton favourite that has been around for 6 years! Visit any five haunted houses hosted by Screemers. They open Oct. 19.
  11. Drink some hot apple cider and enjoy an outdoor farmer’s market – Dundas has a local farmer’s market that is open every Thursday on Hatt Street till Oct. 24.
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