‘Tis the season of consumption! Special days like Thanksgiving and Christmas are opportunities for us to connect with friends and family, show gratitude and get much needed rest. But like us, I’m sure you’ve noticed that our consumer-driven society has taken over.

Did you know that Americans produce 25% more waste between Thanksgiving and New Year than they do the rest of the year?

We need to find a balance between enjoying our special days without getting sucked into overconsuming.

Episode highlights:

Defining consumption and special days
Societal expectations and consumption
The Santa Claus Grinch Spectrum of Consumption
Awareness of consumption and environmental impact
Categories of consumption and their impact
Balancing consumption with your values
Tips for reducing consumption

Helpful Links:

Iowa State Daily: Overconsumption Around the Holidays: Sustainable Strategies

Nebraska Recycling Council: Is Consumerism Consuming Your Holidays?

Values Assessment: Core Values Index

The Four Q’s

Question:

What is your favorite non-consumerism part of the holidays?

Quest:

Pick one area of consumption where you can be more mindful.

Quality Creativity:

Sustainable gift wrap

Quote:

“What consumerism is at its worst is getting people to buy things that don’t actually improve their lives.”

Jeff Bezos

For additional info, check out our show notes page:

Episode 30: Consumption & Special Days

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Episode Credits:

We are your hosts, Emily and Evie Soape, sisters and friends in the midst of figuring out how to live our best lives. Emily Soape produces the show.

Music:

Theme Music:

“Living Life” by ⁠Scott Holmes Music⁠. Available for use under the CC BY 3.0 license at ⁠Free Music Archive⁠.

Break Background Music:

"Alive In It" by ⁠Ketsa⁠. Available for use under the CC BY 3.0 license at ⁠Free Music Archive⁠