We got in touch with green organisations from across Manchester to talk about the perils Xmas consumption. Is it really as high as we fear or simply a tiny upwards blip in an other skyrocketing rate of consumption? What can be done? We spoke to Lynda McIntosh from the Sustainable Consumption Institute at Manchester University, Jonathan Atkinson from the Carbon Coop, The Kindling Trust and consumption researcher Hannah Knox for their insights.

Hannah Knox: Research Fellow at the ESRC Centre for Research on Socio-Cultural Change

Overconsumption implies that consumption can be measured in a singular way – there is an amount of consumption that is enough and there is an amount of consumption that is too much. Overconsumption implies we need to make sure we stick to a more reasonable level of consumption.But of course consumption is not this simple. At Christmas and other celebrations for example, consumption is precisely about the excess.

I think it is therefore maybe more helpful to talk in terms of ‘excessive’ consumption rather than over consumption. Excess is not a judgement about how much is enough or how much is too much, but an acknowledgement that something is being transgressed and that in that transgression, relationships are being made. If we think about Christmas as a moment of excessive consumption, it allows us to better understand what the social value of excess currently is. It might also open up possibilities of thinking about what kind of excess might be permissible or OK, and what might need to be tempered or managed better in a world of finite resources.

When my daughter was 10 weeks old my husband and I were perplexed about what to do about christmas presents. We didn’t particularly see the point in buying her anything, but it felt kind of inappropriate not to mark her presence some way with some kind of gift. We decided in the end to write a book for her. My husband wrote the words and I drew the pictures and we got it printed out using a self publishing website called Lulu.com. Materially I don’t know if this used more or less resources than a conventional present, but the excess was certainly not about how much we spent in monetary terms, or how big and shiny the present was in material terms. Rather it was about the amount of time and thought that had gone into it.

Jonathan Atkinson – Carbon Coop

1. Do you think people over-consume in Xmas? If so, why?
As with most of the winter, it is the time of year many of us stay in and whack the heating on to stay warm, as a result we generally use more energy. To be honest I don’t think there’s anything special about Christmas, in general heavy users of carbon remain so all year round, so those in bigger houses tend to use more energy to heat them and they’re also more likely to be the people who can afford to take foreign journeys by plane or buy lots of things they don’t necessarily need.

2. What do you think could be done about this problem?
In terms of household energy we can improve and insulate our homes to make them cheaper and easier to heat. Environmentalists are very good at turning down the thermostat but our Carbon Co-op research this year has shown us that in some cases this has led to dampness and air quality issues so it’s not the whole answer. It’s better to invest in your house essentially. I think it’s important we address these issues in a fair and equitable way. That means those with most resources at their disposal can and should make the biggest effort to reduce their carbon emissions and help others do the same.

I’m concerned that environmental campaigners often vilify vulnerable individuals and groups. MMU academic Steven Milligan has written an excellent study in to the ‘Christmas light’ phenomenon whereby those in working class areas who decorate their houses with lights, making an effort to celebrate and share some collective joy, are targeted for what is a relatively minor amount of power usage (especially compared to regular flying).

3. Any personal experiences or suggestions to reduce consumption during Xmas?
For one off impacts, flying is by far the biggest contributor of carbon. So rather than jetting off somewhere warm I’d recommend huddling round the fire with family and friends, maybe with some homemade cider or organic cheese. But let’s not feel guilty, it’s been a hard year for many and we’ve lots of work to do in the new year!

From Chris Walsh and The Kindling Trust team

1. Do you think people over-consume in Xmas? If so, why?
We think we all over consume at times and that Christmas has become the focus for an annual rat-race of consumption. It is not surprising that individuals go a little shopping crazy, with the social pressures and the sophisticated advertising that targets us.

2. What do you think could be done about this problem?
We do however see light at the end of tunnel. People are beginning to realise things don’t buy us happiness and the social and environmental impact of the things we consume. The annual Buy Nothing Day (http://www.buynothingday.co.uk/), this year on the 24th November; the public debate about the tax avoidance of large multinational spearheaded by groups like UKUncut (http://www.ukuncut.org.uk/, a growing interest in local products and now Manchester very own Steady State campaign (http://steadystatemanchester.net/) are all reasons to be hopeful.

3. Any personal experiences or suggestions to reduce consumption?
Personally speaking, I’ve moved away from physical presents to buying friends places on courses or events. There are so many interesting, useful and enjoyable courses to attend in Gtr Manchester, and the experience and knowledge stays with you for ever!

Lynda McIntosh, Sustainable Consumption Institute, The University of Manchester

1. Do you think people over-consume in Xmas? If so, why?

People do tend to over-consume over the holiday period – not only are there are more events involving food and drink, cards, gifts etc. but we travel longer distances to see friends and family, eat three course lunches when we usually grab a sandwich at our desks, and generally seem to let people know we care by overfeeding them! Celebrating is synonymous with consuming.

2. What do you think could be done about this problem?

Reframing the way people think about it. There are lots of things we could do – but you have to start with yourself and keep it fun. One year my neighbours and I decided to exchange party dresses and accessories instead of buying new outfits. We made a night of it and as none of us works together, who’s the wiser?

3. Any personal experiences or suggestions to reduce consumption during Xmas?

We like to experiment. One year we bought ‘experiences’ like days out skating, horseback riding and theatre passes. And one year we encouraged everyone to give only homemade gifts – ornaments, baking, candles, babysitting, etc. One friend collects comics all year long and then uses it to wrap everyone’s presents. Then there’s the reason for the season – sometimes it’s about giving somebody who has very little a bit of a helping hand with money or food…Once you start looking for ways to be a creative giver the easier it becomes…and others happily come to expect it from you. Merry Christmas!

:: Thank you to all the organisations for taking part.