With the holiday season over and the new year upon us, overconsumption is at a yearly all-time high. Overconsumption is the consuming of products or items beyond a normal capacity. The holidays are a breeding ground for overconsumption.

All of the advertisements on television are geared towards Black Friday, Christmas and New Year’s. Brands and companies want you to purchase things that you don’t necessarily need. 

These are things to consider so that you don’t fall into the overconsumption pit– instead, you can save your money.

On Christmas, there are always hauls posted on social media. People on Christmas Day take videos of what they got and they post them on social media. Although most videos are done with innocent intent, they lead to people judging their own gifts. In addition, many get the feeling that they need to go and buy the products shown. This is simply because someone showed items on TikTok and they happen to like the products. I have fallen victim to these Christmas hauls. Instead, make a list of desired products you have seen on social media and revisit it in a month. If you still want those items, buy them. You would be surprised to find out that most of the items on the list you didn’t even truly want. 

Another thing to help alleviate overconsumption is not buying anything for New Year’s. Resolutions, deals and things you “have” to buy for a successful year are plastered all over the internet, TV and social media. I’m here to tell you that you don’t need any of it for your resolutions. Make a list of serious goals you have and make them specific. When doing this, don’t write down 100 because you will never be able to focus on your main goals, as it will get overwhelming. Instead, hone in on a few and if those require you to buy something, then you can make that purchase. For example, if your goal is to journal more, look around your house for a journal and if you don’t have one, then you can purchase one. Always try to use the resources you already have before you pick up your keys and go to Target.

Following the holiday season, you may have received money from a family member as a gift. It is very tempting to feel a hole burning in your pocket with your newfound cash. However, don’t go looking around stores for things to buy. Chances are, something will catch your eye and it may not even be something you truly want. If you go looking to spend money, you will find something to spend it on. Therefore, don’t go looking. 

If you receive gifts from the holidays that you may not necessarily use on a day-to-day basis, re-gifting is always a perfect way to alleviate overconsumption, while also not wasting gifts. You can also donate them to charities and shelters to help spread the holiday cheer to people who may not get many gifts. 

Try not to fall victim to the holiday and New Year’s overconsumption habits that are becoming worse due to social media. Instead, turn off TikTok, put your money in your bank account, don’t touch it and evaluate what you want to buy. If everyone makes conscious spending and consuming decisions, the impact will be immense in terms of less overconsumption. Let us give the gift of less overconsumption to the Earth for the holidays.