With the holidays quickly approaching, many students and families are purchasing, or have already purchased, gifts for loved ones and themselves. Black Friday deals, which have turned into week-long events on websites such as Amazon and Walmart, have attracted consumers to find the best discounts on things they need.
“I spend more money in December than the rest of the year because I am buying gifts for my friends and family,” shared Charlotte Patnode (‘26). The holidays, coupled with the deals provided across industries ranging from tech to beauty and everything in between, have created a culture where it becomes normal for people to increase their spending drastically during this time of year.
When buying gifts, however, many fail to consider the environmental impacts of this increased consumerism. MHS AP Environmental Science teacher Ms. Andrews notes that “There will likely be an increase in carbon emissions due to more people, all around the same time, purchasing goods and services that will need to be made, shipped, and (eventually) disposed of.” She also stresses that the greater volume of specific products being purchased, such as plastic toys, clothing, and electronics all have problematic impacts on the environment.
In comparing those products, “Though electronics have a longer lifespan, the raw materials needed to make them are mined. Fast fashion fabrics are typically manufactured in factories that run on fossil fuels and are quickly disposed of. Plastics are derived from petroleum, which is oil that has been mined or fracked and then refined.” In short, nearly all of our purchases harm the environment in one way or another.
Some MHS students are aware of the impacts their excessive shopping has on the environment and are actively trying to minimize these effects. Helen Romita (‘26) shared how her family doesn’t focus much on gift-giving during the holidays; instead, they have a one gift per-person rule, and “make an annual donation to Heifer International (a charity that allows users to donate animals, clean water, or educational funding to underprivileged families). Romita has come to acknowledge that “the holidays overencourage consumerism” and “being aware of it” has been beneficial to her and her family because they have been able to reduce their environmental impact while also helping those in need.
Some students may argue that an absence of gifts takes away from the traditions and atmosphere of the holidays. However, Eliana Schnapp (‘26) doesn’t “believe that gifts are the most essential part of the holidays.” Instead, she thinks that “what’s most special is being able to spend time with friends and family and celebrating the holidays through love.”
Ms. Andrews agrees, stating that “The best gift you can give to anyone is time.” This holiday season, MHS students should focus on having experiences such as going out to a nice restaurant, purchasing refurbished electronics, or donating to a charity in someone’s honor. Gift giving is meant to show someone you care about them, but it is also time to start caring about our planet.
