TOEIC Household Waste

​Huge Rise in Household Waste Over the Holiday Period

The end of the year is a time of celebration around the world. Holidays such as Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and New Year’s Eve often involve parties, family get-togethers, travel, and gift-giving. While these traditions bring people together, they also create a serious environmental problem: a sharp rise in household waste.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), household waste increases by around 25 per cent during the holiday period. This extra waste includes food packaging, cardboard boxes, plastic wrapping, bottles, cans, and unwanted gifts.

Miriam Holsinger, co-president of the recycling organisation Eureka Recycling, explains that small actions can make a real difference. She encourages people to take a little extra time to separate their waste correctly. “Putting boxes, bottles, and cans into the correct recycling bin may seem simple,” she says, “but it has a big impact when millions of people do it.”

However, recycling alone is not enough. Engineering professor Dan Hoornweg believes the best solution is to reduce waste before it is created. He advises people to understand and follow the recycling rules in their local area, as policies can differ from place to place. What is recyclable in one town may not be recyclable in another.

Experts also warn people to be careful when throwing away electronics, toys, and seasonal items such as Christmas lights. These products often contain materials that should not go into normal household trash.

One expert suggests thinking ahead when buying gifts. Instead of buying physical items that come with lots of packaging, she recommends buying experiences rather than things. For example, tickets to a concert, theatre show, or sporting event can be more meaningful and produce far less waste. Digital cards and online gift vouchers are also becoming popular, as they create almost no physical trash.

As people reflect on the year ahead, experts say the holiday season is a good time to rethink our habits. By buying less, recycling properly, and choosing experiences over material goods, we can celebrate while also protecting the environment.