It’s the most wonderful time of the year, or is it? The seasonal holiday celebrations bring light to
the darkest time of the year but there is an environmental impact. According to researchers at
the Stockholm Environment Institute the 3 days of Christmas celebrations on December 24th,
25th, and 26th account for 5.5% of our individual annual carbon footprint. Food, travel, holiday
lighting and gifts all take their toll.
Do you really need that Santa Claus cookie jar?
Limiting consumption or “buying less stuff” is an important way to reduce personal and
household greenhouse gas emissions. Our collective consumer habits generate emissions here
in Canada but also in other countries like China where many consumer items are produced.
Holiday season gift buying tends to be a major focus of concern about environmental impacts.
Popular media offers many ideas for alternative gifts such as tickets for events or concerts,
certificates for gifts of time or services and homemade gifts. Giving secondhand gifts is also
growing in popularity. According to US research 90% of Americans would be happy to receive a
thrifted or re-gifted item with 34% saying they would give someone a “gently-used” gift. There’s
room for growth here. Value Village gift card anyone?
It’s important to note that the holiday season is also a peak period for sales of holiday
decorations, household furnishings and décor items, housewares and clothing. How do we limit
these purchases?
The “Buyer-archy” of Needs
Here’s one approach. Artist and climate innovator Sarah Lazarovic has created a visual tool to
guide decisions. It encourages you to consider seriously whether buying new is your only viable
option. Her “Buyerarchy” starts with the simple question “do you really need it?”. It then takes
you through a series of alternatives for items you feel you really need. This “think before you
shop” approach will help the planet and your bank account.
Sarah’s Buyerarchy of Needs:
