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Joel Waldfogel is my kind of economist. His new book Scroogenomics asks us to analyze our gift-giving, especially at this time of year, and ask ourselves if it's really worth it. Waldfogel says that our consumer spending creates huge amounts of economic...
While the greenest gift to give might be none at all—or at least something that doesn’t require wrapping—many of us will still be giving wrapped presents to loved ones this holiday season. When my children were younger (and the gifts from grandparents...
Are you dreaming of a simpler, greener Christmas? For many, Christmas reeks of too much: too much money spent, too much noise, too many people shopping, too much wrapping paper, too much food, too much to do—simply too much. It is a season of stuff. Gifts...
We put up our Christmas tree this past weekend—our artificial Christmas tree. After many years of debate as to which are more environmentally friendly—real or artificial trees—the answer is clear: real trees are a vastly superior choice. So why does my...
Last night I wrapped up all the gifts I’d purchased for my family and friends. They formed quite an impressive little mound and represented a few solid hours of shopping. I enjoy giving gifts, but I do experience a twinge of green-guilt at this time of...
Too bad Clark Griswold didn't have LED Christmas lights when he "lit up" his gingerbread house in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. His family, his neighbours and his cat would have had a much happier Christmas. If you haven’t yet...
It's a familiar dilemma that seems to pop up every birthday, Christmas, and friend's wedding: figuring out the perfect gift. For some friends and family members, they are easier to find it for than others. Getting ready for the "Giving Season"...