A Sustainable Valentine’s Day: Celebrate Love with the Planet in Mind

Eco-conscious Gifting

• DIY gifts: Making a gift yourself is a great way to show love sustainably. Whether that’s baking something or getting crafty a handmade gift adds a personal touch.
• Support Local and Small Businesses: Local Devon jewellers such as Recycle the Sea and Nautilus Designs make beautiful, handmade, sustainable jewellery out of sea glass and recycled silver.
• Up-cycled and Second-Hand Gifts: Up-cycled items, like a hand-painted mug can make for one-of-a-kind presents that feel extra special. You can find plenty of DIY tutorials online and for more tips check out Recycle Devon’s blog. Shop at charity stores to give pre-loved items a new life.

Sustainable Flowers

Traditional flowers, like roses, often have a large carbon footprint due to their transportation from warmer climates. Each February, an estimated 570 tonnes of roses are shipped into the UK significantly contributing to CO2 emissions. Alternative more sustainable flower options include:

• Locally Grown Flowers: Support UK flower farmers by purchasing locally grown blooms. Suppliers like Flowers from the Farm offer fresh, seasonal bouquets from local growers.
• Potted Plants: Consider a potted plant like a succulent, small tree, or a rose (if you want to keep it traditional) that will bloom year after year.
• Dried Flowers: Though pricier, dried flowers are long-lasting, require no water, and make a beautiful gift.

Remember to compost natural flowers or put them in your green garden waste and make sure to recycle plastic wrapping at your local soft plastics collection point such as a supermarket.

Low-Waste Valentine’s Day Cards

Each year, around 25 million Valentine’s cards are sent in the UK, the equivalent to more than of 8000 trees! These often end up in the general waste. Here are some alternatives and recycling tips:

• DIY Cards: Craft a card using materials you already have at home.
• Digital Cards: Send an e-card to save paper and waste.
• Recycled Paper Cards: If you prefer a physical card, choose one made from recycled materials, avoid glitter (which cant be recycled) and recycle it afterward.

Green Date Ideas

• Get out in Nature:  Enjoy a hike or visit the beach or a local nature reserve.
• Volunteer Together: Perhaps spend a few hours volunteering for your local community action group – Find yours here! Giving back together makes for a meaningful and impactful experience.

Final Thoughts

This Valentine’s Day let’s show love not only to our partners but also to the planet. Small, sustainable choices — like supporting local businesses, eco-conscious gifting, and reducing waste —can make a big difference. Let’s celebrate love while protecting the planet!