Halloween doesn’t have to mean cheap plastic and landfill waste.

With a little creativity, even an old wool dryer ball can take on new life—this time as a floating ghost.

Repurposing what you already have helps cut back on the microplastics and single-use decorations that often end up polluting waterways. Every small swap away from plastic protects the ocean and the creatures living in it.

Photo: Friendsheep

Repurposing old dryer balls keeps waste out of landfills.

From Laundry Room to Haunted Hallway

Those once-puffy dryer balls may have lost their bounce, but their wool fibers still hold shape and charm. Instead of tossing them, use them as the base for DIY hanging ghosts. The result is a soft, reusable decoration that won’t harm the environment—or your wallet.

Start by folding a piece of cheesecloth in half. Old shirts or sheets work just as well and keep extra fabric out of the trash. Cut fringes along three sides to create a tattered ghostly edge. Place your dryer ball underneath and let the fabric drape naturally.

A Few Stitches, a Little Glue, and a Lot of Fun

Attach two googly eyes—or reuse buttons or black pins—to bring your ghost to life. A dab from a hot glue gun or some fabric-safe adhesive will do the trick. Then, gather a bit of thread and sew a small loop at the top for hanging.

Hang your ghost in a window, from a porch light, or along a tree branch outside. The movement of the fabric in the breeze adds just enough spooky flair without the plastic waste.

Photo: Friendsheep

DIY ghosts are a plastic-free alternative to store decorations.

Eco-Friendly Frights for All Ages

Families can turn this quick craft into an afternoon project. It’s simple enough for kids to help and satisfying for adults looking to live more sustainably. Even better, the ghosts can be packed away and reused year after year.

By swapping synthetic decorations for natural materials, you keep microfibers and petroleum-based plastics out of oceans and coastal ecosystems. Wool, cotton, and fabric scraps break down naturally, unlike the tinsel and vinyl used in mass-produced decor.

A Ghost of a Chance for Cleaner Oceans

Every eco-conscious choice counts.

Choosing to make rather than buy is a small act that echoes beyond your front porch. It reduces waste, sparks creativity, and keeps the focus on fun—not consumption.

So this Halloween, skip the store-bought plastic and hang a few soft, smiling ghosts of your own. You’ll have decorations with character—and the ocean will thank you.