Our weekly program, Missouri State Journal, is a collaboration between KSMU Radio and Missouri State University. It's hosted and produced by MSU's Office of Strategic Communication, and it airs each Tuesday morning at 9:45 on KSMU.
The holiday season is a time of giving, and Americans spend a lot of money on gifts. In 2022, the National Retail Federation reported that the average American plans to spend $826 on gifts, food and decorations for the holidays. Of that amount, around $500 goes toward gifts for family members.
With such a large quantity of presents being given away, it’s important to consider: What’s the carbon footprint of these gifts? How can consumers be more intentional about gifting more sustainably this holiday season?
Missouri State University sophomore Sam Wang offers some insights about sustainable gift giving. He is a double major in history and anthropology. He currently serves as the chief sustainability commissioner for the Student Government Association.