Once a pumpkin is carved, they don't last very long. You may already be facing the prospect of what to do with the jack-o-lantern you slaved over just a few short days ago for Halloween.

Frankly, I always was a little sad when I had to toss my pumpkin.  With all the digital devices today, though, it is so much easier to immortalize your friend "Jack" from Halloween.

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash
Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash
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So, what should you do with your leftover pumpkin? Most people trash them.  If they're outside, getting them away from your house is a good idea since they do attract rats. They're like a bright orange billboard saying "Eat Me".

A great alternative to throwing away pumpkins is composting. Just cut them into small pieces and put them in a compost area or garden.  Cover with leaves and voila.  All those nutrients locked inside your pumpkin will contribute to richer soils for your garden or yard.  You might even get a pumpkin vine next season that can produce children from your long-forgotten jack-o-lantern.

Another good alternative is to make your jack-o-lantern into a "snack-o-lantern". Cut them into small pieces and put them where birds, squirrels, foxes, and deer might have a snack. Squirrels always find their way inside a pumpkin.  It is their equivalent of sports.

Photo by Justin Wang on Unsplash
Photo by Justin Wang on Unsplash
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Of course, if your pumpkin is still whole, the best way to recycle is to eat it. You can make pies, soup, and pumpkin skin chips. It is also easy to make your very own pumpkin spice latte. Just whip pumpkin puree, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, milk a touch of sugar, and espresso and there you have it.

Pumpkin puree also makes a great facial with a little honey, coconut oil or whole milk.

Photo by Shaun Holloway on Unsplash
Photo by Shaun Holloway on Unsplash
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If your whole pumpkin is still intact, it can also make a great Thanksgiving decoration.

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