The holiday season seems to rip your wallet out from under you and tap your card any chance it gets. With Christmas right around the corner, and Halloween costumes shoved into storage, we are smack dab in the middle of a time that demands overconsumption.
I love the autumn and winter decorations that get me through the rainy season — and I give in every single time I find something new that speaks to me. I also want to treat my friends this Christmas, and I’m not going to show up to festive dinners empty handed! Plus, I love a thrifted sweater as much as the next guy. This time of year is a consumer hayday and my bank account’s nightmare.
Hypocritically, I am a self-proclaimed maximalist. Proof? I keep ticket stubs … yeah. I wish I would have been more conscious of my consumerism my whole life, but any step forward is a step in the right direction. I am taking it upon myself now to be a ***conscious* consumer. I am not perfect, but I want to improve, so thinking about consumption, and bringing it into the discussion, feels like a decent first step.
Quantum Lifecycle Partners provides a helpful outline for limiting consumption for a happier, healthier holiday. The first principle is twofold: eliminate waste before it begins, and take some time to think before making a purchase. Often, our rushed instincts take over and we purchase without thought of the future. I know from experience that something we want in the moment can be so easily pushed to the side months later. Quantum says that during these holidays, you should “frame your gifting based on the idea of stopping physical waste,” which can apply to buying not only for others, but for ourselves. I struggle the most when it comes to ***wanting.* Our media influx has put a consumerist burden on “the wanter”: hauls fill our feed, leading us into a trap of things we ***must* have. To limit our consumption, we have to put intentional thought into our buying decisions. This cycle of “I want — I buy” is a burden I struggle with deeply. But I am working to make more conscious decisions to limit my consumption and provide myself with more thoughtful and lasting purchases.
The second principle Quantum brought forward is to choose circular products and materials. You remember the three “R’s” don’t you? Well, we can utilize our elementary school recycling principles this holiday season! Finding upcycled, recycled, or just plain old second-hand goodies is a way to limit overconsumption. Purchase things that are recyclable or made from natural and sustainable materials in order to increase their lifespan. The way I do this is through tried and true thrifting! Thrifting for the holidays is so much fun — I recommend everyone try it. My best friend and I did a thrift-swap a few years ago; instead of buying new for each other’s Christmas gifts, we gave each other a budget, made Pinterest boards for inspiration, and hit the thrift store. It was a huge success and went down as our favourite gifting experience together. Sustainable and rewarding with a splash of festive joy — what more could you ask for?
The third principle Quantum listed is to regenerate nature. Here we can narrow our lens to food: buy local, compost waste, shop organic, and consider buying food from regenerative agriculture farming. Again, be considerate, thoughtful, and conscious with your purchases to limit consumption and give back to the Earth.
Ultimately, we have to be sensible this holiday season. We can work to purchase with intention, aim for sustainability and longevity of products, and gift with purpose. With these values in mind, we take a huge step toward reducing our overconsumption this holiday season. But let it be known … I will continue to collect ticket stubs!
Rachel is working towards a BA with a concentration in English and Theatre. She has been employed at The Cascade since Fall 2021 as a Staff Writer and a Jr. News Editor. Currently, she is the sectional News Editor and enjoys meeting and interviewing people as well as taking long walks in nature. Rachel also likes to stay up to date on the latest trends and informs students through her fashion column entitled Campus Fashion.
