Presence Over Presents

By Shay K. Flowerday

As we head into the most wonderful time of the year, we must also be conscious that it is the most wasteful time of year. To help reduce your waste footprint, here are some ways to minimize our collective impact.

Our society is designed around consumerism, or the constant cycle of being advertised to and buying products from those advertisers. The costs to our environment are not factored into this consumption cycle.

In addition to negatively impacting our planet, having too much “stuff” can impact our brains. Studies have shown that having too many items in a space can increase stress hormones in our bodies. Another study found that children with fewer toys in their environment were able to focus longer on each toy and increase creativity (Dauch et al, 2018).

This season, make simple adjustments to your holiday to make them more environmentally conscious.

Refrain from Consumer ‘Holidays’

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are designed to entice you to buy products for cheap prices. Ask yourself, “Do I really need this, or is it just a good deal?”

Start A New Tradition

Looking back, kids will be much happier remembering what you did as a family, rather than who got them what gift. Instead of focusing on gift-giving, dedicate a day to giving back to the community or baking treats to take to others. (Pro Tip: buy containers at local thrift stores to gift these treats in.)

Gift Experiences

Giving experiences as gifts is another good way to emphasize to kids that material items are not as important as memories. A zoo membership, weekend trip, or concert/theatre event are all great options!

Purchase Secondhand Items

Buying gifts from thrift stores or purchasing refurbished electronics is a great way to help the environment this season. When you buy secondhand, no new resources are needed to create a product. It gives these items a second life, and for less money!

Encourage Others to Not Gift Toys

To avoid extra clutter, explain to friends and family why you are choosing to stray from material gifts and encourage them to do the same.