Before tossing those jack-o’-lanterns and fall decorations in the trash, consider turning them into delicious seasonal recipes, making homemade treats for your dogs or donating them to a local farm.

Millions of pumpkins are discarded every year after Halloween, with many ending up in landfills. But those leftover pumpkins can serve a purpose beyond decorating your front porch.

Turn Leftover Pumpkins Into Delicious Recipes

If your pumpkins are still fresh and have not been carved, painted or treated with chemicals, you may be able to use the pumpkin flesh and seeds in a variety of recipes.

Pumpkin is a versatile ingredient that can be used to make:

• Homemade pumpkin bread and muffins.
• Pumpkin soup and roasted pumpkin dishes.
• Pumpkin pancakes and waffles.
• Roasted pumpkin seeds for a healthy snack.
• Pumpkin puree for pies, desserts and other recipes.

Don’t forget your four-legged family members! Plain pumpkin puree can also be used to make homemade dog treats. Many dogs enjoy pumpkin, which contains fiber and nutrients that can be a healthy addition to their diet when served in appropriate amounts.

Try making simple pumpkin dog biscuits using plain pumpkin puree, oats and dog-safe ingredients. Avoid adding sugar, spices, salt or artificial sweeteners, particularly xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. Also, remove the stem and never feed dogs moldy or spoiled pumpkin.

Donate Your Pumpkins to Local Farms

Another option is to give your leftover pumpkins to local farmers, animal sanctuaries or livestock rescues.

Pumpkins can be a nutritious seasonal supplement for animals, including cows, pigs, sheep, goats and chickens. They contain moisture and nutrients that can make them a welcome treat when incorporated appropriately into an animal’s diet.

Before donating, keep these important safety tips in mind:

• Only donate fresh, untreated pumpkins.
• Remove candles, plastic decorations and other foreign materials.
• Avoid pumpkins covered in paint, glitter or other chemicals.
• Never donate moldy, rotten or spoiled pumpkins.
• Contact the farm first to make sure it accepts pumpkin donations and that the pumpkins are suitable for its animals.

Help Reduce Food Waste After Halloween

Whether you turn your pumpkins into homemade recipes, bake treats for your dogs or share them with a nearby farm, there are plenty of ways to keep perfectly good pumpkins out of the landfill.

Before throwing away those Halloween decorations, think twice. Your leftover pumpkin could become a delicious family recipe, a special treat for your dog or a tasty snack for a farm animal.

Let’s make the most of pumpkin season, waste less and support our local farmers!

Editorial safety note: Only use pumpkins intended for food preparation when making recipes for people or pets. Carved pumpkins that have been sitting outdoors should not be used for cooking or dog treats.

Kratom products sold in gas stations, smoke shops and vitamin stores are drawing increased attention because of concerns surrounding a concentrated compound known as 7-OH (7-hydroxymitragynine).

Unlike traditional kratom, 7-OH acts similarly to opioids and carries significant risks, including addiction, severe withdrawal symptoms and potentially fatal overdose.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned consumers about 7-OH products, noting that the compound can be significantly more potent than morphine.

What Makes 7-OH Dangerous?

Although 7-OH occurs naturally in the kratom plant in very small amounts, many products contain concentrated, manufactured versions of the compound. These products are commonly sold as tablets, gummies, powders and drinks.

Health concerns include:

• High risk of addiction and dependence.
• Slowed breathing and potentially fatal overdose.
• Severe withdrawal symptoms similar to those associated with opioids.
• Potential withdrawal complications in babies exposed during pregnancy.

Some products are marketed with colorful packaging and fruit flavors, potentially making them appealing to younger consumers.

FDA Issues Warnings

In July 2025, the FDA recommended that 7-OH products be restricted because of their potential for abuse.

The agency also issued warnings to distributors and healthcare providers about the risks. Consumers are urged to check product labels for ingredients such as   7-hydroxymitragynine, 7-OH or 7-Hydro.

How to Reduce the Risks

Health experts recommend avoiding concentrated 7-OH products, never mixing kratom with alcohol or other drugs, and speaking with a healthcare professional about safer, medically approved treatments for chronic pain or opioid withdrawal.

Because 7-OH acts like an opioid, naloxone (Narcan) may help reverse an overdose.

Anyone concerned about a loved one’s kratom or 7-OH use can seek help through the Partnership to End Addiction, which offers support and resources for families.

For more information: Visit Partnership to End Addiction or speak with a healthcare professional about treatment options.