A Reddit user sparked a discussion about holiday consumption after share a photo of a Advent calendar filled with 24 single-use toys.

What’s going on?

A member of Reddit’s r/Anticonsumption community posted a photo of a packaged Advent calendar containing two dozen fidget toys, asking, “How long until all of this ends up in the trash?”

The post resonated with other users, drawing attention to the scale of holiday waste.

“The other thing that breaks my heart isn’t just that one. You know they made at LEAST 4 million of these; that’s true of all the other garbage you see around the holidays” , commented a speaker. wrote. “AND they forced the labor of several REAL humans down the line just to perpetuate this grossness.”

Why is this concerning?

The production of millions of plastic advent calendars contributes to several environmental challenges.

The manufacturing process requires a lot of energy and raw materials, and the inevitable disposal of these short-lived toys adds to our growing plastic pollution problem. During the holiday season alone, the Environmental Protection Agency estimates that Americans generate about 25 percent more waste than other times of the year, much of which comes from decorations, packaging and disposable novelty items.

What do we do about holiday waste?

Many families are adopting sustainable holiday traditions that create lasting memories without generating excess waste.

Reusable Advent calendars, which can be filled with treats or activity cards year after year, are becoming popular. Some parents opt for experience-based countdowns, like daily holiday activities or acts of kindness, creating traditions that don’t rely on disposable items.

Several retailers are also responding to consumer demand for more sustainable options. Department stores now offer reusable fabric Advent calendars, while others offer calendars filled with consumable products like tea, chocolate or beauty products that don’t contribute to clutter or waste at home. long term.

Parents who want to give their children toys for therapeutic or entertainment purposes can find sustainable alternatives. Many companies now produce high-quality, durable fidget toys that last for years, often made from recycled or biodegradable materials. These items can be cost-effective and environmentally friendly compared to disposable versions.

Ditching disposable holiday items can also lead to significant savings. Families can reduce vacation expenses and do unforgettable memories by investing in high-quality reusable items and creating traditions that don’t revolve around single-use products.

Plus, choosing durable items over disposables means less clutter to deal with after the holidays are over.

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