Traditions are the glue that holds our community together, but let’s be honest, some of them are getting a bit stale. As we move forward, it might be time to rethink a few American customs that don’t quite fit our lives anymore. That doesn’t mean we have to throw these traditions out the window, but maybe adjusting them slightly could work. Let’s look at 18 American traditions that we need to change and why.
Less is More
Holiday decorations are turning into a neighborhood arms race. What happened to a few twinkling lights and a wreath? If we cut back, we could help everyone save energy and reduce the pressure of outdoing the Joneses every year. Plus, there’s something to be said for simplicity, especially since it cuts down on light pollution.
Holiday Commercialization
Speaking of holidays, they should be a time for us to spend with our loved ones, not just shopping sprees. Reducing the commercial hype and focusing on what really matters, which is family and friends, would help bring back the true spirit of the holidays. This could make our holiday seasons more meaningful, and that’s good for everybody.
Cutting Down on Junk Mail
Junk mail is pretty annoying, but worst of all, it fills up our recycling bins and wastes tons of paper. Instead, we should go for digital ads and only get the mail we actually want, which would help the planet and the mail carriers. It’ll also make checking the mail something you look forward to instead of just another chore.
Sustainable Tech Upgrades
While we love our gadgets, do we really need a new phone every year? Holding onto our technology a bit longer will reduce waste and save us some cash. It could also encourage companies to make more durable products, knowing that consumers care about longevity over the latest slight upgrade.
Smart Cooling
Unlike the rest of the world, air conditioning is pretty common in the States, but let’s be honest, we don’t need it all the time. Instead, we should stick to using natural cooling and smarter building designs, as this could save energy and keep us just as comfy on those hot summer days. After all, it’s good for our utility bills and our environmental footprint.
Academic vs. Athletics
College is expensive, and while sports are great, spending so much on athletics can take away from the real reason for college, which is education. We should balance the budget to keep the focus on learning because it’d really help students out. It could also encourage a healthier college culture where academics and athletics can truly support each other.
Less Car Dependence
As convenient as cars are, in cities with decent public transport, they can be more of a hassle than a help. Using buses, trains, or bikes will cut down on traffic jams and pollution, which is a win-win for our daily commute and the environment. You also won’t have to deal with the stress of daily driving in heavy traffic, which is great, too.
Meaningful Spring Breaks
Spring break has a wild reputation, but perhaps it’s time we used this experience for good instead. Young people could use this opportunity to volunteer or do internships, which would give them some valuable experiences that last way longer than a tan. If we focus on real-world learning, this will help students beyond the classroom.
Cleaner Political Campaigns
Election seasons filled with attacks on other candidates don’t really tell us what they stand for. It’d be far better to focus on issues rather than mudslinging, as this would help voters make more informed choices at the polls. It could also encourage more constructive debates that focus on solving real issues. Who wouldn’t want that?
Flexible Retirement
Retiring at 65 is an approach that doesn’t fit everyone, which is why we should have more flexible retirement options. This could allow people to work longer if they want or retire earlier if they can, meaning their later years will be more enjoyable. Changing retirement could also change the way we think about aging and working.
Bigger Is Better Mentality
In America, most people seem to think that bigger always means better, whether that’s our cars or our houses, but maybe it’s time we rethink this idea. Smaller can be smarter, especially when it saves us money and is better for the environment. We should go for quality over quantity, as this can lead to a more sustainable lifestyle where we appreciate what we have.
The Daily Commute Grind
Most of us are stuck in a daily routine of commuting to work, which often means sitting in traffic for hours. With more companies seeing the benefits of remote work, perhaps it’s time to cut back on mandatory office days, especially since less commuting saves time and reduces stress. Just think of the environmental benefits of fewer cars on the road.
Excessive Water Use
In many parts of America, keeping lawns green and cars shiny means using a lot of water, and sometimes more than what’s reasonable. During droughts, this can be a serious problem, so it might be better to adopt water-saving practices like xeriscaping or using rain barrels. This way, we can keep our homes looking great without using too much of our precious resources.
Obsession with Lawn Perfection
Similarly, trying to keep the lawn immaculate with chemical fertilizers and daily watering isn’t the best idea because it’s expensive and not good for our planet. How about going for a more natural look? Native plants and wildflowers can still make your yard look beautiful, but they come without any of the fuss, and they’re way better for the local wildlife.
Over-the-Top Weddings
American weddings are often extravagant affairs that cost the earth. But do they really need to be? If we scale back to simpler celebrations, we’ll reduce our stress and debt while also making the day more about the couple and less about outdoing each other with the fanciest decorations. That’s a change we can all get behind.
High School Reunions
Although high school reunions are a big part of American culture, you won’t find many other countries having them. Even though these events are meant to relive the past, they usually end up just bringing up old anxieties and difficult memories. Social media keeps everyone updated now, so the need for these events has pretty much disappeared, meaning we should focus on smaller and more meaningful gatherings with close friends from school instead.
The 24/7 Work Culture
There’s no denying that America’s 24/7 work culture is a recipe for burnout and stress, which is why it’s time we encourage companies to respect off-hours. Many other countries are already promoting a healthy work-life balance because they know it’ll lead to happier employees. And as we all know, happy employees are more productive and creative employees.
Replacement Culture
Fast fashion is big in America, with trends coming and going at a pace that none of us can keep up with. This causes a lot of waste, both with discarded clothes and the resources companies use to make them. We should move toward a model that prioritizes quality and sustainability, as this will reduce environmental impact and encourage people to consume more thoughtfully.
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