A million tons MORE of garbage is generated in the United States between Thanksgiving and the New Year. By Julie Peller Ph.D.

Green Junction

Old holiday movies are quite a contrast to modern-day movies. In older films, we watch children get excited when they receive a gift (one gift!) and view moderate, nature-based decorations. Today’s movie settings are overrun with decorations and holiday stuff. Kathryn Hayhoe, a scientist (with faith-filled views) who has been explaining climate change to all people for many years, offers this message for the holidays: “By choosing gifts that reduce waste, support communities, and help restore nature, we can participate in a much bigger story of care and connection.” 

Dr. Hayhoe also highlights B Corp certification, which designates businesses “meeting high standards of verified performance, accountability, and transparency on factors from employee benefits and charitable giving to supply chain practices and input materials.” Many businesses use marketing ploys that suggest their practices and products are environmentally sustainable. Still, a closer look often reveals some greenwashing. The B Corp certification means a business undergoes a highly vetted process to ensure its products meet rigorous standards for environmental impact, worker treatment, and accountability and transparency. Notable companies that hold this certification include Patagonia, Bombas, TOMS, and Ben & Jerry’s.

According to the National Environmental Education Foundation, a million tons MORE of garbage is generated in the United States between Thanksgiving and the New Year. To avoid more stuff and more garbage, consider gifts of experiences, such as outdoor and nature events, a show, or a dinner out. Personalized gifts from reusable resources can make for memorable holidays. Examples are repurposed glass jars for hot chocolate, cookie ingredients, or herbs. “When we give with purpose, we help create the kind of world we all want to celebrate.” (Dr. Hayhoe)

Julie Peller, Ph.D., is an environmental chemist (Professor of Chemistry at Valparaiso University). She has been writing a weekly column, The Green Junction, for the past seven years and is helping to move the call of Laudato Si to action. Her research interests include advanced oxidation for aqueous solutions, water quality analyses, emerging contaminants, air quality analyses, challenges along the Lake Michigan shoreline (such as Cladophora, water, and sediment contaminants), and student and citizen participation in environmental work.