Eco-Ideas for your Valentine
Every year when Valentine’s rolls around we want to treat our sweethearts to show them we care. But how sustainable are our go-to Valentine’s gifts? This February show your valentine you care with a romantic (or platonic), sustainable gift.
While you’re planning the romance this year, consider the impact of your gift and try out one of our eco-friendly alternatives.
Flowers
What says Valentine’s Day more than a bouquet of roses? They go together like peanut butter and jelly. But this year let’s consider the impact of our gifts. Cut flowers don’t last very long and they really aren’t the best for the environment. Instead, consider a potted plant that your significant other will enjoy for months (or longer if they have a green thumb).
If you still want to opt for the roses, make sure to support a local florist or farmer - and see if you can’t find some florals grown without the use of pesticides.
Chocolate
The other Valentine’s Day staple is chocolate. This year, instead of buying from large corporations, try a local chocolatier or look for ethically sourced chocolates. There are plenty of local, fair-trade options for this sweet treat that won’t scrimp on taste.
Dinner Out
A classic activity is a dinner out with your significant other. But instead of heading out this year, try making a meal at home. Find a recipe together, buy some local ingredients, and spend some quality time together in the kitchen. And if you’re feeling extra ambitious you could always make it a meatless meal!
If you’re really not a whiz in the kitchen (and not everyone is) you can still go out for dinner. Just support a local restaurant instead - if it’s farm to table, even better!
Jewelry
Maybe you want to show your significant other you care with a necklace or ring. Before you do, consider where you’re purchasing the jewelry. For example, is it ethically sourced? Fair trade? Local? Or better yet, is it a vintage piece that you’re giving a second life?!
Do Away with Gifts
You don’t need to give a physical gift to show you care. This year instead of a gift, you could create an experience for your valentine. Head out for a romantic walk or hike, plan a movie night at home, go volunteer together, or try an online class.
The ideas are only limited by your imagination, so take the time to come up with something both you and your sweetheart will love to do together.
Reduce Emissions
You might be thinking that Valentine’s Day is not the day to consider emissions. But we consider our footprint every day! There are a couple easy swaps you can make - and they’re romantic we promise!
Instead of driving you can take a romantic stroll or take the bus to your destination. Or, if you’re staying home, pump up the romance AND save electricity by pulling out the (toxin-free) candles. Because what’s more romantic than a candle-lit dinner?
No Valentine? No Problem!
Celebrate the holiday in sustainable style with a little self-love. Instead of an extravagant date night, plan for a little extra pampering. Here are our recommendations. Try a soothing bath with a bath bomb or bath salts. Relax with a rejuvenating face mask. Or just kick back with a good book – here are some of our recommendations.
If you’re not feeling a solo night in, celebrate Valentine’s Day with friends. Treat yourself and your friends to any of the ideas above. Cook a meal together, share some chocolate (and wine - local of course), or just plan a night out together. After all, everyone likes feeling the love.
You can still bring out your inner romantic this Valentine’s Day while keeping sustainability top of mind.