Finding Joy, Not Excess: A Greener Approach to the Holidays
We’re deep into the holiday season, which means enjoying the light displays on our neighbors’ houses or the trees on the prairie path—a time of festive cheer and connection. As the lights glow in yards and the excitement of giving consumes us, there’s a hidden reality most of us aren’t aware of: holiday overconsumption.
While generosity is wonderful, purchasing and discarding the sheer volume of products creates a burden on the landfill and planet. The pressure to buy the perfect gifts, host the most lavish meals, and have the brightest decorations often leads to financial stress, mountains of waste, and a dilution of the season's true meaning. For many Villa Parkians, this combination of extra spending and extra stuff also comes with a hidden environmental cost.
Waste between Thanksgiving and New Year’s often increases 25% more than other times of the year due to packaging and returns, food waste, and non-recyclable wrapping paper.
The good news is that many Americans are now recognizing this pattern. This study show that most consumers wish the holidays were less materialistic and more focused on family and caring for others. We all have the power to change these traditions!
Small Changes, Big Impact
Making a difference doesn’t require much change. Small adjustments to familiar traditions can reduce overconsumption, save money, and prioritize joy with loved ones during the holidays.
The best gifts create lasting memories, not landfill fodder. Think experiences and supporting local businesses to reduce emissions. When consuming, keep in mind the “wants, needs, wears, and reads,” where you limit presents to one of those four categories. Check out our Sustainable Holiday Gift Guide for more ideas!
Minimizing waste starts with better planning and smarter choices. Swap paper wrapping with a reusable cloth bag or newspaper, find the right amount of food to plan per plate with a food-waste calculator, and lastly avoid using disposables.
Protect your bank account from the overspending trap. Create a realistic budget and track daily spending to comply with your budget. Additionally, speak to your family and/or friends and proactively suggest group gifts or low-spending limits to relieve pressure on everyone.
A Season Centered On What Matters
We hope this blog helps you redefine the joy of giving this holiday season. By shifting our focus from quantity to quality, from consumption to connection, we can create traditions that are richer in meaning, lighter on our wallets, and kinder to our planet.