Occupy Christmas
By Dave Fisher, EcoRI.org
Christmas is a time of mass consumption and displays of trance-like mob mentality that has, in recent history, led to stores being stormed and people being trampled. A jolly time when Americans go into debt, partake in gluttonous behavior and, basically, hit the nitrous on the already redlining engine of consumerism.
In the United States , five times more trash is created during the five weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year's; 1,500 plain-old Christmas lights can double your electricity usage when left on overnight. I think that it’s about time that we rethink our behavior around the holiday season.
Rethinking and changing our behaviors seems to be a central tenet of the Occupy movement, and there really isn’t a more perfect time than the holiday season to draw attention to just how misguided things have become. Every year, advertisers whip children and adults into a Bacchanalian fugue state of acquisition and all of the trappings, such as wrapping paper, ribbon, cards, gift bags, etc. This year, send a message of solidarity to the Occupy protestors for the holiday season and Occupy Christmas. The rules of Occupy Christmas are simple.
First, beecgin your low-dough holiday with a full day of no purchases on Buy Nothing Day, this Friday, Nov. 25. Also, take some time to drop off a coat at your local winter coat drive.
Second, the only gifts you can give have to be made by you or purchased from a locally owned store or direct from a local producer. Home-cooked or baked foodstuffs are always a good bet as a gift, and people will appreciate the effort that you put into the gift.
Third, turn out the lights. I’m all for a festive spirit, but does your house really need a lighting display that can be seen from space?
Fourth, opt for a living tree. A friend of mine recently turned me on to the living tree, a potted tree that you can leave in the yard for 11 months a year. Heck, you can just leave the lights on it!
Finally, use the time and money you save to volunteer for or donate to a charity. The best way to give thanks is to give back. There is a wide socioeconomic spectrum within the 99 percent.
There is an Occupy Christmas facebook page. Like it if you are going for the low-impact Christmas and leave a post with your ideas on having a safe, sane and sustainable holiday season.
Dave Fisher is the managing editor of ecoRI News. He is choosing a no-gift Christmas. He wishes the best to all of those who don’t have the luxury of that choice.