Unlearning overconsumption during the festive period

Today, modern lifestyles are moulded around excess consumption. Whether this is through the overconsumption of fashion, technology or food, all of us are guilty of it. As a result, the environment suffers as it struggles to handle the amount we consume, which is increasing by the day. Consumption patterns today focus on short-term gratification as opposed to long-term sustainability. There are several things you can do this festive period to rethink your consumption habits to help make a change in the global overconsumption issue.

One way you can do this is quality over quantity. When writing your Christmas lists, ask for a better-quality jumper as opposed to three. In the long term, this will benefit you as you do not have to continuously replace clothing items which have gained holes or tears. Or perhaps, try and find the clothing item you are after on a second-hand shop, such as Vinted. Consider if you will still like what you are asking for in 3 or 4 months, or even a year’s time. Think about what you already own and ask for pieces that will complement these items.

Reflect before purchasing. When the sales are booming, be conscious about what you buy. My recommendation is to create a Wishlist and add to this when you find something you like. If, in a month’s time, you still like this item and want it, then purchase it. This reduces overconsumption patterns by ensuring that you are buying things that you know you will like in the long run and will make the most of. When the sales come, use this Wishlist and purchase the items you have loved for a long time.

When gifting presents this year, consider doing some DIY! In my opinion, these kinds of gifts have so much more meaning and love to them, and the receiver will appreciate and remember them. You could get into crochet, knitting or sewing, make jewellery, bake something or perhaps make a soap or a candle. You can get creative here and personalise a gift you know the receiver will love. As a benefit, it gives you the opportunity to delve into a new hobby!

As a final recommendation of mine, consider giving to charity the things that you have bought in the past year that you no longer use or wear. It’s a great time to give to others and know that it will be given to someone who will truly love and take care of it. Christmas is the time of giving, and you could make someone’s year by donating what you have stopped using. Enjoy the festive period and think about what you consume!