A Plea to End the Excess (or at least shrink it a bit) Around the Holidays

I feel like I give this speech every year, but it seems like more people are coming around these days, so here goes again!

Please, please stop buying what large corporations are selling you. You don’t have to and the price is more than you would be willing to pay if you knew the reality of how these things are produced and considered the waste we are creating year in and year out. Nobody really cares where it came from- least of all, your children.

This Christmas, if you choose to celebrate by giving gifts, buy secondhand where possible, shop small, shop local and shop handmade and if you must buy new, I strongly urge you to research the companies you are giving your money to.

Sweat shops are still very much a thing and the best way to shut them down is to starve their bottom line. Please do not support businesses who are okay with their workforce being subjected to inhumane conditions. I love seeing how many of my friends support animal rights, but I challenge you to care at least as much about the people we share this earth with and the places we call home.