Forget Red and Pink…Go Green This Valentine’s Day!
At its heart (pun intended), this holiday is all about celebrating the ones you love. Whether you’re putting together something special for your significant other, your bestie, little ones, or even a furry friend, don’t forget to keep the planet in mind. Read our tips below for ways to sustainably show you care.
1. Think outside the (heart-shaped) box
It can be hard to resist all the sweets that start showing up in stores as soon as the holiday season ends, but more often than not, these individually wrapped choices rate pretty highly in terms of non-sustainability. Look for locally sourced options with minimal packaging instead, or try baking something at home. We’re partial to Valentine’s Day Heart Sugar Cookies or Vanilla Shortbread Hearts ourselves (or, ahem…DIY Heart-Shaped Dog Treats). Place them in a storage container, large Mason jar, or festive reusable tin, then give yourself a pat on the back for doing your part to reduce waste.
2. Choose blooms that last
If you plan to buy a bouquet next week, choose local, organic options that support pollinators and farmers in your community. They’ll likely be fresher and last longer, and you’ll feel better about your carbon footprint. We also recommend purchasing a potted plant—depending on your selection, they’ll last for months or even years, and research shows they improve your health.
3. Say you care sustainably
Get creative with your cards this year. Digital greetings are always an option, and you can never go wrong with plantable seed paper (bury it; when it biodegrades the seeds grow into wildflowers). If you want to get crafty, search your house for old magazines, wall calendars, construction paper, or fabric scraps that you can transform into a recycled valentine that will last forever: who would ever want to throw something so meaningful away?
4. Use upcycling to your advantage
Crafting is for more than just cards. If you want to create a gift from the heart, skip the shopping mall and make something at home! We’re going gaga over this compilation of recycled Valentine’s Day projects. Does anyone want to make us a pair of aluminum can heart earrings?
5. Hit the antique store
You can find tons of good gems (literally) at thrift stores, consignment shops, or antique malls. Why buy new when you can reuse? Besides, that one of a kind find is sure to dazzle much more than any mass-produced piece of jewelry.
6. Give experiences
Don’t we love our favorite people (or pets) for the memories we make with them? Valentine’s Day can be as simple as making a home-cooked meal or strolling down one of your favorite trails together. Try taking a dancing class, or attending a local performance. You can even settle down on the couch to watch one of your favorite movies. Spending time together doing activities you love is the most eco-friendly way to celebrate of all!