Valentine’s Day is one of the biggest card and gift giving holidays of the year- but what can you do to make your special someone feel loved without sacrificing sustainability?
We’ve compiled our top tips for handling each of the major, traditional components of Valentine’s Day gestures.
CARDS
1. Ask yourself: Is this really necessary?
Children of the 90s were encouraged to give Valentines to every kid in class, but it’s now pretty clear that was a less than responsible behaviour. How much paper ends up in landfills at the end of February?
Now you’re a grownup, ask yourself- is this card really needed? Can I just tell this person I love them? Am I giving them another gift or spending the day with them?
If what needs to be said can only be in writing- and there are lots of legitimate reasons why that might be the case- see if one of the below options might be possible.
2. Go Digital.
There are lots of great online card companies offering everything from simple messages to full animations, but you could just as easily send an email to let someone know you’re thinking of them. Attach a photo of you together for extra impact.
Moonpig, Thortful, and Funky Pigeon are some of the most popular online card companies.
3. Make your own!
It may seem corny, but when else, if not Valentine’s Day? You’d be amazed what crafting potential can be lying around the house once you actually start looking. Whether pulling images from old magazines or newspapers, recycling Christmas cards by cutting off the Yuletide greetings and glueing on red wrapping paper, or even picking a book off the shelf to inscribe with new meaning- there are always ways to reuse and recycle what you already have at home.
GIFTS
1. Flowers
It’s best to buy local and seasonal flowers if giving a bouquet, but a potted houseplant can be even better. Its long life is by nature less wasteful, and can actually improve the air quality of your beloved’s home. For a list of air purifying houseplants see here.
2. Sweets
Chocolates in a heart-shaped box is the Hollywood standard, but once again- why not bake something instead? Take a look at what you have in the house- is the flour nearing it’s use-by date? Is there still some Christmas chocolate at the back of the fridge? You can find a recipe for almost anything online- creative ingredients don’t need to be a hindrance! And your paramour will appreciate the adventure regardless of the results…
If time and resources are tight, just make sure to look for sustainable brands, preferably something with minimal packaging that’s fairtrade, organic, or even vegan.
Leafscore have a fabulous breakdown of what to look for and their top five recommendations here.
3. Objects
Finding ways to reuse and recycle should be our first instinct, and whether you’re looking for a piece of jewellery, a scarf or a book, always start your gift search at your local charity shop. The selection can be staggering, and your money will be going to a good cause.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, purchasing from a brick and mortar store is generally more environmentally friendly than buying online, and be sure to check the brand’s environmental and supply chain policies.
4. Other
Experiences and subscriptions are increasingly popular gift alternatives. You can donate to a charity on your beloved’s behalf, or book them onto an online course. Switch2Zero offers a great selection of carbon offset subscriptions that you can tailor to you and your partner’s lifestyle and circumstances.
THE DATE
1. The Meal
One of the easiest ways to make your Valentine’s Day more sustainable is to stray away from steak and lobster and cook dinner at home. Reducing meat and dairy consumption is widely considered to be the number one thing people can do to reduce their carbon footprint, and staying home decreases the knock-on effect of your evening, including associated travel emissions or any single use packaging associated with the cooking and eating of your meal at a restaurant or takeaway.
2. The Activity
Similar to the above, would you normally go to the movies or see a show on Valentine’s Day? Take a moment to think about how much energy is needed to produce whatever your activity is, including any associated travel. Would it be possible to take your significant other for a walk in the park instead? Stay home and play a board game? Watch something on Netflix?
However you decide to celebrate the day of romance, mindfulness and intentionality are the keys to keeping things eco-friendly. Be conscious of your choices, consider supply chains and how they might impact your carbon footprint, and when in doubt- do less. Staying home, making things yourself, and expressing your feelings personally instead of materially are all fantastic ways not just to keep your Valentine’s Day sustainable, but create a truly meaningful, memorable day for you and your loved one.