Valentine is at the gates! We gathered a few tips for you to show your love without the trap of over-consuming.
1. Make your cards
Instead of buying store-bought cards, make your Valentine’s cards out of materials you already have at home. You can use old magazines, newspapers, or even fabric scraps.
2. Buy local
Shop locally sourced gifts from your community, such as chocolates from a nearby chocolatier, to reduce the environmental impact of transportation and packaging.
3. Choose locally sourced, organic flowers
When you shop for flowers for your Valentine, look for a local florist that sources organic flowers to reduce the environmental impacts associated with conventional flower production, including chemical use and transportation.
4. Think of sustainable, eco-friendly gifts
Consider gifting your Valentine something eco-friendly and sustainable. This could be anything from recycled jewelry to a plant that can help clean the air. The world also uses plenty of resources for packaging, so when buying gifts, look for recycled and recyclable wrapping paper to reduce waste.
5. Make a sustainable dinner
How does a romantic dinner at the home sound? Choose organic, locally-sourced ingredients, and don’t be afraid to look posh: with your porcelain and utensils, cloth napkins will be fancy, but more importantly, they will reduce your environmental impact. You can also go with a vegetarian or vegan meal to make your footprint as teeny-weeny as possible.
6. Go for a nature walk
Instead of going to dinner, you may also plan a romantic nature walk with your Valentine. You can enjoy the outdoors, exercise, and reduce your carbon footprint simultaneously. Could they expect more?
7. Gift experiences
Would you rather stay in the city? You can still give your loved one experiences, like a picnic in the park, a visit to a museum, or a romantic movie.
8. Diamonds aren't a girl's best friend
You may know that diamonds are the most common precious stones compared to other gems… but do you also see the difference between artificial diamonds and mined ones? Fake diamonds are less expensive, usually of better quality, and most importantly: nobody suffers to get them.
9. Say no to balloons and fireworks this year
Balloons are a classic Valentine’s Day decoration, but releasing them into the atmosphere can harm wildlife. On the other hand, fireworks contain various chemicals and metals, including sulfur, potassium, barium, and magnesium. When these chemicals are burned, they release multiple pollutants into the atmosphere. They also scare and disturb many humans and animals alike.
10. Plant a tree
We hope your love is eternal. Planting a tree is a great way to show your commitment to your loved one and the environment. Help reduce your carbon footprints – and theirs.
