The dark side of Christmas

Shibumi wants to congratulate you on these holidays, but we also want to talk about the negative aspects and effects that the Christmas season has on the environment since they are many and increasingly worrying. Of course Christmas, New Year and the Three Kings is a time that many have long awaited, but... So many unnecessary purchases, are they really good and necessary? We will see it in this blog, stay to discover it!

Holidays at this time of year are much loved and expected by many people around the world. It is not necessary to belong to the Christian religion to be able to enjoy this time of year. During these weeks people unite more and surround themselves with family or friends to celebrate the holidays with love and generosity. Despite this, in recent years Christmas has become more focused on buying and selling products, thus valuing material things more and trying to find the perfect gift.

Extravagant and immense purchases at massive levels. What consequences does it have on our environment?

Increase the amount of garbage

The garbage accumulated during the Christmas season far exceeds that of the rest of the year. Food waste, plastic, paper and glass waste often abound in excessive amounts during this time. In cities like the Federal District, Chihuahua and Durango, in Mexico, the amount of garbage collected increased by 20 per cent. Greenhouse gasses are produced in landfills, either by anaerobic digestion of organic waste or by incineration to reduce its volume.

Battery accumulation

The disposal of batteries irremediably affects the environment. Batteries contain toxic substances and these cause serious damage when spilt, just like when rubbish is burned. The batteries damage both the quality of the water and the soil and the mercury battery can contaminate 600,000 liters of water.

Fireworks

During Christmas, in some cases, fireworks are abused at 24 times higher than normal levels. These damage microorganisms and fauna, as well as being able to cause respiratory diseases when inhaled.

Wrappers and bags

Verdemar-Ecologistas en Acción says that most of the purchases are waste since once the gift is removed from the packaging, what remains is not used and goes directly to the waste collection process.

It has been estimated that 48% of waste is generated in homes, 26% in shops and the rest in services.

It is true that it is something that they have never taught us and they have encouraged more and more pollution. But from Shibumi we want to remind you that every action counts and is significant.