Global warming is something that is often discussed in our society. We try to implement programs to reduce our carbon footprint, to recycle, and to try to spread awareness to the damage being done to our earth. But something that I don't think we think about very close is how much waste we produce during the Christmas season, Christmas day most specifically.
I will be the first to admit that I don't always do everything that I can to reduce my footprint. But thinking about how much waste we produce and more than likely, don't recycle, raises some red flags. We are so distracted by the holiday cheer and presents that we don't pay attention to how much waste all these gifts make. Not to mention all the wrapping paper.
Do most of us look for recycled wrapping paper? Do we reuse gift bags for several years? I know most people want things to look the absolute best for Christmas time, wanting everything to be picture perfect and so reusing old gift bags doesn't always fit into that picture. Or maybe you're afraid someone will realize you're reusing a bag or the same wrapping paper as last year. But does it truly matter is Susan down the street notices that you're reusing old bags or wrapping paper? No, it doesn't.
Christmas trees are another big thing that people get confused on. People use plastic trees in thinking that it will help save trees, therefore it is a green act. But think about this, what do you do with your old tree? You toss it. Where does it go? A landfill. By supporting the production of fake trees, we are supporting the production of waste and harmful chemicals. Using a real tree does mean a tree is getting cut down, but once you're done with it the tree can naturally decompose or be used for a fire. If you're truly worried about them cutting down a tree, then when spring time comes go and plant a tree somewhere.
You may not see the damage or progress we are making now, so you think it doesn't really matter what you do right now. But it does matter whether or not you make an effort to help reduce waste on this planet. You may not see the damage being done in your life time and maybe your children won't either, but it will affect life on this planet. And it will cause problems if we don't start taking notice of how much waste we are actually producing and trying to actually make a difference in the way we live our life.
