The ethical impacts of holidays: Balancing joy with responsibility

Tips for staying healthy during the Holidays

As the Holiday season gets underway, eat healthy and staying in your best shape can become a challenge. Sarah Abutair with knockout fitness provides some tips on how you can stay healthy during the holidays without stressing yourself out.

LOS ANGELES - Holidays bring opportunities for connection and generosity, but they also come with ethical challenges. Increased consumerism, environmental strain, and cultural sensitivity are all issues that demand consideration. While the season fosters community and gratitude, mindful practices can ensure the celebrations remain positive and sustainable for everyone.

The negative impacts of holidays

Excessive consumption and waste

The holiday season in the U.S. generates approximately $1 trillion in consumer spending according to the annual Deloitte Holiday Survey. This surge drives waste, including an estimated 4.6 million pounds of wrapping paper discarded annually, much of which is non-recyclable, according to the EPA.

Environmental impact

Holiday travel is another significant contributor, with 113 million Americans traveling during the 2024 holiday season according to the annual AAA Travel Forecast. Air travel alone accounts for a substantial share of holiday-related carbon emissions, compounded by disposable decorations and single-use plastics.

Labor concerns in supply chains

The demand for fast shipping and inexpensive goods highlights labor issues, particularly in companies like Amazon, where Southern California Teamsters to protest working conditions ahead of Christmas.

Social pressure and financial stress

Holiday spending continues to be a source of financial strain for many Americans. A 2024 LendingTree survey found that 47% of respondents have gone into debt due to holiday spending. This figure is even higher among parents with children under 18 (62%) and younger generations like millennials (55%) and Gen Zers (55%).

Interestingly, 63% of those who’ve gone into holiday debt regret it, with the highest regret rates seen among Gen Xers (71%). Despite this, 69% of Americans still plan to participate in gift-giving this year, led by baby boomers (77%) and individuals earning $50,000 to $99,999 (75%).

Meanwhile, 37% of respondents reported feeling pressure to buy gifts, especially among Gen Zers (59%). The primary source of pressure came from family (15%), followed by friends (10%).

How to Practice Ethical Holidays

Reduce waste: Opt for sustainable wrapping paper or reusable gift bags and avoid single-use decorations.
Shop ethically: Look for Fair Trade-certified goods or support local businesses to reduce your carbon footprint.
Minimize travel impact: Consider carpooling or choosing local destinations to cut down on emissions.
Focus on experiences: Create memories with loved ones instead of focusing solely on material gifts.

The Source

This article is based on insights from Deloitte, AAA, LendingTree, and reports from Human Rights Watch, EPA, and GivingTuesday.

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