At this time of year, it seems like everyone is heading to the mall and shelling out cash frivolously. I suppose there’s nothing like a commercialized religious holiday to put people in the mood for buying things. While I admit that I too can be found waiting in the long lines at various clothing stores, I can’t help but wonder what the effect of this massive consumption of products has on our society and the environment. There are several things that concern me about this pattern of overconsumption. First, I am disturbed by any holiday’s ability to convince people that material things can bring joy to them and their loved ones. For what reason, other than to benefit capitalist corporations, do material items have more perceived value than quality time spent with family? I understand why people love giving and receiving gifts in this day and age, but what got us started on this track in the first place? The second thing that concerns me about consumer holidays is the effect on the environment. Consumption of unnecessary goods causes precious resources to be overused and destroyed. I know that I for one could certainly be happy without most of the gifts I receive over the holidays, especially the ornaments and cheap jewelry. I wonder where this consumption will lead us – will our values, which link happiness to consumer goods, cause resources to be depleted permanently? Or will this pattern of overconsumption change in the future?
