Christmas, at least in its western, secular form, is not conservation friendly. Though it was established to celebrate the birth of a man who, by all accounts, lived rather simply, it has turned out to be the holiday of consumerism.
For most Americans, conservation means the protection of endangered species, the designation of wilderness areas and the recycling of trash; but it should also refer to a lifestyle that minimizes our impact on our natural environment, limits our use of natural resources and maximizes the longevity of the products that we consume. Too often, the citizens of "developed countries" possess far more than they need and discard items (cars, appliances, houses, clothing) well before their utility is over. Unfortunately, during this season of "giving," those patterns are encouraged and exaggerated.
So, during the Christmas holidays, I often find myself in agreement with religious leaders, a group with whom I rarely concur. As they say, we would be better off focusing on the spirit of the season rather than wallowing in materialism. And, lest I be labeled a Scrooge, Merry Christmas to all!
