How Many Christmas Presents are Thrown Away Each Year?

Every year, billions of dollars around the world are spent on Christmas presents. But have you ever stopped to think about how much of this is destined for the landfill? Depending on where you live, it could be a lot! Here is an overview of the problem and what we can do to reduce the amount of Christmas waste ending up in landfills.

According to recent studies, Americans generate 25% more trash between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day than during any other period in the year. This includes everything from wrapping paper and shipping material to gifts that were never used or opened.

In the UK, an estimated £1 billion worth of presents were thrown away last year alone! And this number only accounts for items that were never opened—it does not include any gift returns or unused products purchased for holiday celebrations such as decorations and party supplies. 

There are a few simple things we can do to reduce our holiday waste. First and foremost, we should always plan ahead when giving gifts. Research shows that more than 60% of shoppers wait until the last minute to buy gifts each year, which increases packaging materials and shipping costs dramatically.

Shopping early also allows us to consider more eco-friendly options such as secondhand items or experiences instead of physical goods. Additionally, gift cards help reduce packaging materials while still allowing recipients to choose their own gifts. Finally, if you happen to receive something you know you won’t use, consider donating it instead of throwing it away! There are many organizations that accept donations year-round and could put your unwanted present to good use.

Christmas is a time for giving and enjoying quality time with family and friends—but it doesn't have to be about filling landfills with unnecessary waste! With a little planning ahead and some thoughtful choices, we can all help reduce our holiday waste this season while still having fun. So let's spread some cheer this season by being mindful about how much Christmas waste we generate!