Karolien van Teijlingen, a social geographer at Radboud University, knows this better than anyone: December is not known for its sustainable character. “We see December as the festive month of the year when we pack and unpack as much as possible,” says Van Teijlingen. “My impression is that we sustain a culture of consumption and excess around the holidays. We want magical days where everyone looks good, hospitality is on display, and we give something special to our loved ones to show affection. Oddly enough, ‘special’ and ‘hospitable’ automatically translate to ‘new’ and ‘a lot’: a new dress (even though you already have four), a trendy coffee table book that will be leafed through once, or a table laden with roasted meats.”
4 tips: keep December cozy and sustainable
Rushing to stores to get the Christmas tree ready for the festive season, grabbing a new party outfit, and maybe even planning a trip. December is, in short, a month full of joy with friends and gifts but also full of overconsumption and waste. Want to keep December both cozy and sustainable? Read these four tips.
How can we celebrate this month more sustainably? Van Teijlingen explains: “Don’t get me wrong: I don’t think it should be a sober affair without gifts and just vegan mash. But I do think we should ask ourselves whether all these rather materialistic traditions truly make us and our loved ones happy, and if there isn’t another way. Let’s work together to reshape these traditions and give the holiday magic a new meaning.”
Tip 1: Avoid impulse purchases
Van Teijlingen shares, “First of all, I make my clothing last a long time and don’t quickly tire of my purchases. If I do need something, I browse thrift stores, vintage shops, or platforms like Vinted until I find it. Sometimes it takes a while, but that’s a great test: if after a week or so I think, ‘Never mind,’ it means I didn’t really need it, and it’s good I didn’t buy it. I always try to avoid impulse purchases, not just with clothing but with everything. I’m not very trend-sensitive—which works in my favor here.”
Tip 2: Buy (gifts) secondhand
“Our home furnishings, books, children’s toys, kitchenware, bikes, and plants—hardly anything in our home is new. If I really need something, I try to get it secondhand. Vintage is your best friend! This usually works just fine: there are so many items in the world that I think we could go years without producing a single new one.”
Tip 3: Make your own christmas decorations
“We don’t want to fall behind others, and in some families, there’s a lot of pressure to have newer, fancier, and more abundant decorations. This culture of consumption has largely been created for us: supermarkets, garden centers, clothing brands, and furniture stores need to keep selling, so they make us believe every year that last year’s dress or Christmas decorations are no longer acceptable. There’s even a ‘Christmas trend 2024,’ like this year’s trend, ‘Winter Garden—experience the magic of nature.’ YouTube is full of DIY creations you can make with things you already have: much more sustainable than following the latest trend.”
Tip 4: Discuss sustainability at the Christmas table
“Ultimately, sustainability is about much more than what’s under your Christmas tree, the lights you’ve hung, or what’s on your plate on Christmas Eve,” Van Teijlingen emphasizes.
“Generally speaking, consumption levels in the Netherlands are high - too high. This is true year-round, not just in December. The ecological footprint of the average Dutch person is three and a half times what the planet can sustain. This results in significant environmental damage and climate change. Try, for instance, buying only secondhand for a year, eating vegan more often, and seeking out local, organic food producers. But also look beyond consumption: we are not just consumers; we are citizens with a voice. Ask yourself: what is your bank doing with your money? Which political party do you vote for, and how can you push them to implement truly green policies? Is there an activist in you who could join an environmental movement? Could your work contribute to structural changes in our economy and way of life? These are questions you can also raise at Christmas dinner—a lively discussion is guaranteed!”
Winter special 'Hope in dark days'
In the month of December, Radboud Recharge presents a series of stories about hope in dark days. The series offers tips and insights to provide new perspectives on the sometimes restrictive Christmas traditions, creates space for hopeful research, and shines a scientific light on the gloomy news.
Contact information
- About person
- Dr K.M. van Teijlingen (Karolien)
- Theme
- Sustainability, Behaviour, Winter Special