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Writer's pictureMaddison Hoyt

How You Can Beat the Monster of Holiday Shopping Waste


Photo of Fredericton Regent Mall sale signs — taken by Maddison Hoyt

As the holiday season approaches, you might be tempted by the gleaming winter displays in storefronts, the ridiculous deals, and the adorable holiday-themed versions of your favourite products. The holidays are a time of giving, but also consuming. People are eager to purchase gifts for their friends, family, co-workers, you name it. While that might seem wonderful, overconsumption around the holidays is a major problem for our planet.


We surveyed local teens and young adults about their holiday gift-shopping habits to get a sense of just how impactful this issue is. Of all responses, 75% of people claimed that they consumed significantly more over the holiday season. Student, Sophia Pacione, shared that because overconsumption around the holidays is so commercialized, “it certainly makes [her] feel less guilty about it: it’s like [she has] an excuse.” Here’s how you can beat the monster of holiday shopping and make an impact on reducing waste this gifting season.


Reduce, Reuse, Recycle


Picture all of the gifts you received last year. How many of them were wrapped? Gift wrapping paper is a major cause of waste during the holidays, not only from just how many gifts are wrapped but because it’s single use. Instead of bundling up your gifts in typical wrapping paper, opt for a more sustainable version. Many companies have taken this as a challenge and have come up with biodegradable, reusable, and recycled versions of the gift-wrapping materials we love.


Another eco-friendly option is to instead package your gifts in reusable gift bags. Contrarily to wrapping paper, bags are not destroyed when unboxing holiday gifts. Create an ongoing bag collection that can be reused each year to reduce your paper waste.


Shop In-store


Shopping online over the holidays is the epitome of convenience: you can pick out your gifts from bed, you have access to unlimited colours and sizes, and you can compare prices all at the tip of your fingers. While this is incredible, it has its downsides. Think of the last time you got a package you ordered online. It comes in a box, and within that box, there’s often another, smaller box, and then there’s a plastic bag, and then there are individual plastic bags for each item, and paper dividers between items and their individual boxes…there’s a lot of packaging. Where does all that packaging go? Your trash.


Shopping in-store, while it may be less convenient sometimes, reduces your packaging waste significantly. If you were to bring a large, reusable tote bag, you could complete all of your holiday shopping without ever crossing paths with an unsustainable box or bag. It can also save you money! Many brands now charge extra for a bag when purchasing from their store, so you’re saving the planet and your bank account in one, simple switch.


Shop Local


Interviewee, Ella Johnson, shared that “[she finds herself] buying from bigger, more known brands” over the holiday season, and we don’t blame her. It’s easy to search up a brand online that everyone has heard of to pick out guaranteed in-style pieces for your loved ones. The holidays are the season when these brands make a quarter of their annual sales in only a short few months. While the big brands definitely aren’t struggling, small businesses need this time of year to keep their companies afloat. Instead of buying all your gifts from Amazon (despite how convenient it may be), shop local to support the businesses that truly need you. More often than not, these small businesses have more sustainable habits than the major brands, so it’s a win-win!


Additionally, anyone can buy the same gift online and mass-gift it to their loved ones. By shopping locally, you have an increased opportunity to acquire individual and thoughtful gifts. Check out some of the smaller, sustainable businesses in your area to freshen up your holiday shopping habits.


Get Creative


Of the people we surveyed, a whopping 84% of people shared that they are more likely to purchase holiday gifts brand new in comparison to second-hand or handmade. Buying brand-new, mass-produced gifts may be the norm when it comes to holiday gift-giving, but it’s not the only option. Second-hand and handmade gifts tend to be the more unique, personalized gift options for your loved ones. For someone that loves clothing, an interesting second-hand piece from a thrift store that reminds you of them is far more valuable than the latest trends on Shein. A great option for book lovers is to find a novel from their favourite author at a second-hand bookstore rather than the more recent releases at Chapters.


While doing your holiday shopping in the future, keep these tips in mind to reduce your impact on the monster that is holiday waste. Your planet, loved ones, and wallet will thank you.

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