Let's combat the scary waste statistics around Halloween

A recent poll of 3,000 adults in the UK, carried out by the food charity Hubbub, revealed that of the 24m pumpkins likely to be bought this October, around half will be carved but the flesh not used. Hubbub has warned this will add to the UK's mountain of avoidable food waste.

There are plenty of ways in which we can all do our part to have a greener halloween and we want to encourage everyone to not throw away the innards of your pumpkins. We understand that this year has been a tough one and while we want people to take every opportunity to celebrate, it is important that we also bear in mind our environmental commitments at the same time.

One of the best things you can do with your pumpkin once halloween is over is to use it in cooking. We particularly like making pumpkin soup and it is so easy to do! Our advice this halloween is to roast the seeds, use the flesh for soup, and any other bits you're not able to use, like the stork and skin, should be put in your food waste bin to be turned into energy. If you fancy your hand at pumpkin soup we have put an easy recipe below!

Easy Pumpkin Soup Recipe

• 700g pumpkin or squash
• 25g butter
• 100g diced onion
• Squeeze of tomato puree
• 250ml milk
• 800ml vegetable stock
• Seasoning

Method

Melt the butter in a pan, add the onion and fry until soft.

Add the chopped pumpkin and tomato puree. If the pumpkin is not already cooked (see above) then put a lid on the pan and allow them to sweat until soft. Add the milk and stock and simmer gently for 10 minutes.

Allow to cool and put into a blender. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

This soup will also freeze very well. You can also add some chilli to spice it up a bit.