{"id":25479,"date":"2023-12-19T05:26:46","date_gmt":"2023-12-19T10:26:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/quantumlifecycle.com\/?p=25479"},"modified":"2024-01-05T06:55:36","modified_gmt":"2024-01-05T11:55:36","slug":"overconsumption-during-the-holidays-how-to-take-a-more-mindful-approach","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/quantumlifecycle.com\/en_CA\/blog\/overconsumption-during-the-holidays-how-to-take-a-more-mindful-approach\/","title":{"rendered":"Overconsumption During the Holidays: How to Take a More Mindful Approach"},"content":{"rendered":"

The holidays are meant to be a time filled with joy and togetherness, but somewhere along the way, overconsumption has overshadowed what this time of year really means. From indulgent food to an abundance of things\u2014decorations, gifts, and disposable wrapping\u2014we\u2019re drowning in all the excess. Here, we take a closer look into the issue of overconsumption around the holidays and how you can scale back without sacrificing a good time.<\/p>\n

\u2019Tis the season of far too much<\/h2>\n

For most people, holiday consumption comes in two primary forms: gift giving and food and drinks. While both can be enjoyable in the moment, they can also strain financial resources. Take gift giving for example; we often give and receive stuff<\/i>. Some of it may get good use, but most of it ends up in drawers. And then there\u2019s the gift wrap, most of which gets discarded. As for food and drinks, we tend to go overboard on things that are too rich; they\u2019re sugary, salty, starchy, or all of the above.<\/p>\n

And despite all this indulgence, we\u2019re not any happier. In fact, 52% of Canadians report feeling stress, anxiety, depression, and isolation this time of year\u2014and Canada tops the list for spending during the holidays. Holiday gifting has more than doubled in the last two decades, climbing from $416B in 2002 to $936B in 2022. And if we\u2019re not any happier or healthier for it (nor is the planet) what can we do to rein it all in?<\/p>\n

Limiting consumption for a happier, healthier holiday<\/h2>\n

You don\u2019t have to go full Grinch mode to cut back on holiday consumption. Instead, make some simple swaps that will be healthier for you, your loved ones, and the planet. Consider the three principles of the circular economy<\/a> to make better choices this season.<\/p>\n

Principle 1: Eliminate Waste Before It Begins<\/h3>\n

One simple place to start is with gift giving. Frame your gifting based on the idea of stopping physical waste before it even begins. To do this, consider:<\/p>\n