Celebrate Valentine’s Day sustainably with eco-friendly gifts and practices.
WASHINGTON —
Valentine’s Day is about showing love. So why not extend that love to Mother Nature? With just a few simple eco-friendly swaps, you can celebrate your loved ones and the planet at the same time.
First up, waste:
What are some things you’ve received over the years that have landed in the trash or the give away pile the very next day? Those cheap stuffed animals and mystery candies come to mind. While the sentiment is sweet, we all know the chocolates in those heart shaped boxes are… an acquired taste. And those cute stuffed animals, usually made from non-recyclable plastics, often end up as extra clutter or worse, they end up in the landfill.
There’s no concrete data on just how many Valentines gifts end up in landfills, but with a bit of planning, we can still try and make it less.
So, let’s all be conscious consumers! Try focusing on buying things that your loved ones will actually enjoy and use, opposed to what we think we should buy. You can still give candy but why not make it their favorite one! Sure, it might not be pink and red, but it also won’t end up in the trashcan. Instead of that gigantic teddy bear, opt for a handwritten note, a special homecooked meal, or an intentional act of kindness.
Next , flowers:
Around 250 million roses are grown for Valentine’s Day each year in the U.S. On top of that, many cut flowers are imported from South America. This requires air transportation and refrigeration which increases their carbon footprint. A better alternative? Potted plants that can live on long after February 14th.
And finally, Greeting Cards:
Did you know there are greeting cards that are plantable? They are made of compostable paper and have seeds in them so your special someone can plant the card and watch the flowers, and your love, grow!
This Valentines Day- and hopefully all the ones to come- lets all try to show some extra love to Mother Nature, and each other.