Eco-Romance: How to Celebrate Valentine’s Day Sustainably

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, why not make this year a bit different and celebrate it sustainably? There are lots of ways you can do this without compromising the fun and romance of the holiday,  so if you want some ideas on how to celebrate valentine’s day sustainably, read on to find out more… 

Rethink Buying Cards 

We all know the saying that Valentine’s Day is an excuse for consumerism to boom at the hands of cheesy gifts and soppy greetings cards, but there is a reason for this. In America alone, it was thought that around a huge $933 million is spent on cards each year. 

This is a huge amount of landfill for cards that stay up for one week, so why not incorporate a card into your valentine’s day gifts this year with the creation of a handmade card. 

Not only is your loved one more inclined to keep a homemade card for longer, reducing waste, but you can get creative and eco-friendly with how you make it too. Opt for recycled paper or materials you already have in the house to make your card, and paint, draw, stick and glue and decorate it in whatever way you like. This is a great idea for Valentine’s day that is good for the environment and will win over the recipient in a heartbeat. 

Ditch the Flowers 

Whilst flowers may be the go-to cliche Valentine’s day gifts, buying or making a gift that is longer lasting than four-day flowers is a great tip for how to celebrate Valentine’s Day sustainably. 

Flowers look pretty but they come in plastic packaging that cannot be recycled, and are often imported from other countries, meaning they have contributed a lot to emissions before they even make it to the shops. With a short life span too, there are lots of alternative and more sustainable Valentine’s day gifts that you can gift this Valentine’s day, including photo frames, mugs, homemade baked goods and artwork. 

Skip the Fancy Restaurants 

If eating out is something you like to do with your loved one on Valentine’s day, this year consider exploring your local area to support local businesses and cut down on travel emissions going to fancy, overpriced and overcrowded restaurants.

It can be easy to learn how to choose a sustainable local restaurant, and you may even find somewhere you would not have considered trying before. This is a great idea for Valentine’s Day that involves trying something new, along with being sustainable. 

Even better- why not pick up some locally sourced ingredients and try cooking your meal together as a great Valentine’s Day gift. Romantic, different and fun, this is a great way to be sustainable whilst still enjoying a romantic evening- just don’t forget a candle for the table! 

It is easy to celebrate Valentine’s Day sustainably whilst not missing out on the fun, romance and intimacy of the holiday. By making small changes to your gifts, cards and plans this Valentine’s Day, you can help the environment as well as try new ideas that you may want to use every year going forward. What are you waiting for? Use our ideas to try out a sustainable Valentine’s Day this year and see how you feel! 

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