Simplify The Holidays

Between Thanksgiving and the New Year, American households generate 25% more waste than usual. And it’s not just the extra trash that’s a problem. All the fossil fuels, trees and other natural resources that go into producing unnecessary plastic toys, novelty gifts and wrapping paper make the winter holidays dreary for wildlife and the habitat they need to survive. 

All that extra consumption– and the resulting waste– isn’t just a problem during the winter holidays. Celebrations from birthdays to weddings and Valentine’s Day to Halloween have become increasingly extravagant and more about consuming things than the occasions and people we care about.

Simplify the Holidays is redefining holiday traditions and celebrations in ways that respect land, waters and wildlife and refocus on what really matters. When people talk about why they love the holidays, they usually describe spending time with family and friends, eating good food, having fun and relaxing. 

Yet too often we feel trapped by all the shopping, spending, and frenzied preparations that accompany these celebrations. It’s time to think outside the (big) box. It’s time to celebrate holidays wrapped in more meaning and less stuff. It’s time for holidays with wildlife-friendly gifts and traditions that encourage creativity, increase connection, ease stress, save money, reduce waste and help the environment.