Avoiding Overconsumption During The Holidays
Local stores have had holiday decorations up for the last several weeks. My newsfeeds are filled with black friday ads and holiday sales. We’re already being encouraged to purchase more than we need.
November and December are my favorite months of the year, but after seeing holiday displays as early as September this year, I’m not as excited this year as I usually am.
Although I start my Christmas shopping early every single year, in fact this year I’m already done, I avoid buying things that are part of holiday displays as to not encourage businesses to continue putting things up early each year. The longer time frame makes shoppers more inclined to buy more items until the holiday arrives. When companies see that people buy more early, they create more.
Tips to Avoiding Overconsumption
Avoid Shopping Unless You Need To
This is the worst time of year to “window shop” or browse, everywhere is going to have sales and beautiful, convincing holiday displays. I like to do any shopping that I need to do on the same day, traveling to a couple stores, and set some sort of a schedule.
Eat Your Leftovers and Compost Your Food Waste
Small shifts in food can have a huge impact on the planet. Maybe you can make a vegan side dish this year, have a leftovers dinner the day after thanksgiving to ensure nothing gets wasted, and make sure you compost your food scraps.
Buy What You Need, Not What You Want
During Black Friday and Cyber Monday, we’re all going to be tempted to buy things we weren’t in the market for and don’t need. Resist the impulse or give yourself a “freebie” item that you can buy that you weren’t in the market for, because maybe it’s a really good deal and you could actually use it.
Shop Secondhand
Before clicking add to cart, see if you can borrow the item, upcycle something you already have, or buy it secondhand. The world has enough stuff, and so much of it is litters our thrift stores. Hit up your local consignment shops, antique malls and thrift stores to buy what you need and maybe even some holiday gifts.
Be a Conscious Consumer
If your cart is loaded with items, before checking out, double check that you actually still need everything you put in there. Try practicing minimalism.
Shop Local, Small Businesses During November
If you’re going to shop, at least shop locally or with a small business when possible.
Fun Fact: Between Thanksgiving And New Years, Americans Throw Out 23% More Trash Than The Rest Of The Year
Each person generates 36 more pounds of waste in December than in other months of the year. That’s the equivalent of everyone throwing away 7 computer monitors. 3 out of 4 people in the United States do think that the average American consumes too much, so it’s time we do something about it. Compost your scraps, upcycle items, regift items, shop less and buy less this holiday.
