According to Stanford University, Americans throw away 25% more trash between Thanksgiving and Christmas Day than any other time of the year- reaching an astonishing 7 million pounds more trash.  Whether it’s Christmas cards from your fourth-Aunt-once-removed, the remnants of your failed attempts at wrapping presents, or a mountain of Amazon envelopes sitting near your door, you can’t help but wonder where all of that trash goes after you put it on your curb.

I, like many Americans, never really thought about how disgustingly blissful a capitalist Christmas should be.  As I walk through the aisles of my neighborhood TJ Maxx, I can hear people on the phone with their siblings, or talking with their clearly overwhelmed children who can’t keep their hands off this season’s toys.

‘Do you think she would actually wear this sweater?’

‘No Jimmy. Put that back. Maybe, Santa could get that for you.’

‘Well, I can always return it if she doesn’t like it.’

‘Well, last year I got my boyfriend an Apple Watch, and I don’t want to just get him a sweater this year- it will look like I’m poor or something.’

Saying that we are obsessed with giving people tangible things during the holidays is clearly an understatement.  Christmas in indeed a time to be with family and to show appreciation for each other- but at what cost?  Do Christmas PJs, diamond earrings, and the latest iPhone present social capital, or are we just buying into America’s obsession with consumerism?

I’m challenged by these notions every time I remember that I’m a college student (studying sustainable management of Earth’s resources nonetheless) up to my neck in loans who still feels compelled to spend absurd amounts of money on Christmas.  The nature of corporate holidays comes with a complementary emphasis on ‘buy, buy, buy.’  Having a cold war with your grandmother?  Buy her something to make up for it.  Really thankful that your mom filed your FAFSA on time for you?  Buy her a candle.  Glad that your mailman delivers every day, even when it’s much too cold outside?  He would love a bag of Ghirardelli chocolate.

There’s no doubt in my mind that we should continue to give to the people we love.  But does that have to come with the somber feeling of watching wrapping paper and festive ribbon lying haphazardly around the Christmas tree?  There has to be some way that we can learn to live within our means, especially during the holiday season.  Here are some of the most impactful things you can do to be a responsible consumer during the holiday season.

Ditch the gift wrap.  Not only is it nearly impossible to cleanly wrap and maintain your dignity, but it isn’t recyclable at all.  All of the gift wrap we use gets thrown away and makes its way to landfills where it breaks down and toxifies the surrounding environment.  Instead, put presents inside of reusable canvas bags so that the recipient can use the bag at the grocery store or when they go shopping next Christmas season.

Make both a ‘wish-list’ and a ‘I’ll-never-use-nor-need-this list.’  If you’re someone who is difficult to shop for (like I am), people that are gifting for you will really appreciate having a list.  On the flip side, make a list of things that you really don’t need (like more socks or tee-shirts).

Give experiences rather than tangible gifts.  Offer to take your parents out to dinner for a night or take your significant other on a mystery date night.  You’re not generating ANY waste, but can still give something to someone you love.

Recognize that there are worse things in the world than used gifts.  Peruse your local Goodwill or secondhand shop before you decide to drive to a mall.  These gifts are things that were once loved by someone and they still have life left in them.  Dedicate time to dig into the racks- you never know what you’re going to find.

Purchase things that inspire sustainable habits.  If you have a friend that only uses Poland Spring water bottles at the gym, you can get them a reusable water bottle.  If you have a friend who likes to cook, you can get them a vegetarian cookbook.

Shop locally.  Local artisans often struggle to compete with big, corporate stores during the holiday season.  Yes, their products may be a little more expensive than what you’d find at Macy’s, but they help stimulate the local economy and local communities.

Buy for longevity, not just short-term use.  We all love an ugly christmas sweater but realistically- how many days out of the year are we going to wear something like that?  Opt to buy clothes and homeware that you can use year-round (e.g. wine glasses, pots, and jackets) rather than Christmas-themed objects that are short-lived.

Do Christmas PJs, diamond earrings, and the latest iPhone present social capital, or are we just buying into America's obsession with consumerism?

Read (and note) the packaging.  Amazon has a habit of sending you more packaging than actual product.  Minimize your consumption of single use plastics by purchasing things in reusable containers and opting against a plastic bag at the register.

Don’t send Christmas cards to people that you either a) don’t speak to on a regular basis or b) know will just throw the card in the trash ten seconds later.  Christmas cards are one of the most thrown away objects in America.  Although it’s a nice sentiment, they’re basically useless.  If you choose to send them, give them to a smaller number of people (or send an e-card)!

When in doubt, make your own gifts.  One of my favorite traditions as a child was making Christmas ornaments for family friends out of salt dough.  Not only was it memorable and fun, but it helped reduce our need for buying exorbitantly for our family friends.

While these tips may seem like a drop in the bucket, these tips are sure to grant some peace-of-mind for the  eco-conscious consumer. So let’s get back to the true meaning of Christmas- being surrounded with love, peace, and faith, rather than getting a pre-packaged version of our values.

Sara is a managing editor at bSmart and Environmental Law student at the University of Vermont. Outside of her studies, she enjoys spending time with her horses, doing yoga, and cooking.