‘Tis the season: not a Grinch but a conscious consumer

The holidays are here. It didn’t take long after Halloween for the holiday decorations to start popping up everywhere. If you’re anything like me, this gives you a sense of anxiety.

Normal people get excited to see little lights wrapped around everything, wonderful-smelling trees in your living room, leafy fall-colored arrangements hanging everywhere, and cute Christmas and Hanukkah decorations as far as the eye can see. Then, there’s me and my husband, the holiday Grinches, who see holiday lights drawing on stupid amounts of energy and literally illuminating the planet from space. Then there are the silk or plastic decorations together with 50+ million young trees that were planted on farms with the sole purpose of dying in your living room — most will end up in landfills. As well as the religious decorations that were most likely made by underpaid humans in a developing country, where little to no health and safety regulations exist.

This might make you think that I hate the holidays, but I actually deeply appreciate how the holidays have the power of bringing people together- especially when they are far away. I’m mostly just overwhelmed by the compulsory consumption culture, the waste it creates, and the unconscious behaviors that come to life during this time of year. In fact, consumers start gearing up for this ‘season of giving’ well in advance, taking advantage of the ‘season of grace’ Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals. Such an oxymoron…

U.S. consumers are expected to spend 4.5% more than the previous year in the holiday economy. That includes gifts, food, and entertainment. A strong economy, with high consumer confidence and low unemployment, are responsible for this spending growth. But what is particularly interesting (and uplifting) about this season, is that Millennials are expected to be the biggest spenders but not in a traditional way. As we know, Millennials put their dollars where their values are. This report found that close to 70% of this generation prefers to buy from brands who show diversity and inclusion in their offerings, as well as the overall store experience. Around 54% of Millennials surveyed believe that brands have a duty and responsibility of addressing social and political issues in regards to diversity. At the same time, there is a rise in so-called “service or experience” gift buying. Which means that less physical products are bought over an experience like tickets to the theatre, dining out, and spa packages among others.

A couple of years ago, my husband and I started a tradition where instead of participating in the holiday economy, we would take off on a backpacking adventure with our two dogs. This year, gifts included Pinocchio theatre and basketball game tickets, a board game that brought hours and hours of family fun, and a pair of used snowshoes (notice the word used- more info below).

If you’re a concerned global citizen and are aware of the climate crisis facing our generation, then you’re probably wondering how you can make the Holidays more socially responsible and eco-friendly? Below is a list of 4 personal recommendations:

1- Trees: Instead of buying a tree, reach out to local organizations involved in planting trees in your area. For example, San Francisco has a program “Friends of the Urban Forest” where you can adopt a tree over the Holidays and return it afterwards to be planted somewhere in your area. Otherwise, decorate a living tree that remains potted or a tree in your yard or street.

2- Lights: Buy LED lights, these will last longer and use less energy than regular decorative lights. When you are not home, turn indoor and outdoor decorations off.

3- Decorations: Seek handcrafted decorations from local artists, local crafts will ensure you know who makes them. You can also buy materials and create them yourself as an activity with the family. Exchange plastic and shiny paper to wrap your gifts for old newspapers or leftover brown paper stuffed in your Amazon Prime orders- it will look very unique in a cool way.

4- Shopping: Instead of buying a physical good, try gifting experiences like theatre tickets that will ensure quality time with loved ones. Write a letter and include a meaningful photo, these are so rare nowadays that it will be more meaningful than you can think. Otherwise, try to shop from local and small shops or checkout reuse programs like Patagonia’s WornWear, Eileen Fisher Renew, and REI Used where we bought the MSR used snowshoes (in excellent condition and at half the price). I wish more brands would see the social, environmental, and economic value that Recommerce programs bring to our capitalist society.

Hope these tips help bring some holiday awareness to your celebrations, and help you live a more sustainable lifestyle, no matter the season!

**If this story inspired you to think differently or act greener let us know by clicking the 👏 button. Inspire your friends and others to do the same by sharing it on Medium, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.**