Here are some sustainable ideas for Valentine's Day gifts

After Christmas, Valentine's Day is the holiday with the second-highest card-giving volume, with over one billion cards exchanged. These cards are frequently covered in glitter, laminated in plastic, or otherwise embellished so that they cannot be recycled. Giving chocolate is customary throughout the Christmas season, but most of it is produced in an unethical manner. While all this gifting is amazing for self-expression and we are mushing over all the love messages, there is a darker side to this level of gift exchanges.

Valentine's Day may be quite harmful to the environment when we look at the waste generated from items like balloons, soft toys and decorations are added up. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Valentine's Day is a perfect opportunity to show someone you care about them because the holiday is all about celebrating love, whether that love is for a romantic partner, close friend, or member of the family. There are various methods to accomplish this in a way that is ethical, sustainable, and earth-friendly. 

Here are some eco-friendly suggestions for Valentine's Day presents

Give fair trade chocolate

Buying fair-trade chocolate supports fair wages and safe working conditions for workers and farmers involved in the production of chocolate. Additionally, fair-trade certification often requires that farmers adhere to environmentally friendly practices. By purchasing fair-trade chocolate, you can feel good about supporting ethical and sustainable practices in the chocolate industry.

Buy a long-lasting present

Buying a durable, long-lasting present for someone can be a thoughtful and practical gift. By using your listening and observation skills, you can identify something that the recipient actually needs, such as an insulated mug, piece of art, or a necessary item like a pair of gloves. This type of gift shows that you have put thought and care into the present, and it will likely be used and appreciated for a long time.

Opt for DIY cards

Creating a handmade, homemade card for your loved one can be a thoughtful and personal way to express your feelings. Using recycled paper to make the card not only adds a unique touch, but it also helps to conserve natural resources and reduce waste. It can be a more sentimental and eco-friendly way to show your love.

Plant some flowers instead of picking flowers

Planting flowers instead of picking wildflowers is a sustainable and eco-friendly way to enjoy nature and show someone you care. When you plant flowers, you are not only providing a beautiful and meaningful gift, but also helping to promote biodiversity and conserve wildflowers. Planting a flower garden, or even a small container garden, also helps to improve air quality and provide habitat for wildlife. This can be a great way to spend time together, a nice way to show your love for each other and for nature while spending time together.

Nothing is more romantic than a farm to table meal

Eating a farm-to-table meal can be a romantic and sustainable way to celebrate Valentine's Day. By choosing to eat locally sourced, seasonal, and organic food, you are supporting small farmers, reducing the carbon footprint associated with the transportation of food, and promoting healthy and sustainable food systems. Eating a meal that is made with fresh, high-quality ingredients can also be a delicious and memorable experience for you and your loved one. Plus, cooking together or enjoying a meal together is a great way to bond and create memories. So go off to that local farmer’s market and cook up a storm!

Buy jewellery responsibly and sustainably

When buying jewellery, there are several ways to ensure that it is responsibly and sustainably sourced. One way is to look for jewellery made from recycled or sustainable materials, such as recycled gold or silver. Another option is to look for jewellery that is certified by organisations such as Fairtrade, which ensures that the workers involved in the production of the jewellery are paid fair wages and work in safe conditions. Additionally, you can also look for jewellery that is made by artisans using traditional techniques. This helps to preserve cultural heritage and also supports local communities.

Furthermore, consider buying from a company that is transparent about their supply chain and can demonstrate that they use ethical and sustainable practices throughout the entire process of production, from sourcing materials to manufacturing, packaging and shipping. 

In summary, buying jewellery responsibly and sustainably means considering the social, economic and environmental impact of the production process and supporting fair labour practices, sustainable materials and local communities.

Bundle up your gift in a reusable bag

Wrapping your Valentine's Day gift in a reusable bag is a simple yet effective way to make your gift more sustainable. Reusable bags are a great alternative to disposable wrapping paper, which often ends up in landfills and contributes to environmental waste.

Wrapping your gift in a reusable bag not only makes your gift more sustainable, but it can also be a thoughtful and practical way to show that you care about the environment and the future of the planet.

By choosing eco-friendly options for Valentine's Day, you can celebrate love in a way that is kind to the planet and to the people who produce the gifts.

Need more inspiration, you could also gift yourself and your home from our curated packs of home cleaners.

Our all-natural cleaners can be a unique and functional gift for those who are conscious of the use of chemicals in their cleaning products. These cleaners are made of natural ingredients and are free from harsh chemicals, making them a safe and eco-friendly option for cleaning various surfaces in the home. 

Do check out Koparo’s gift hampers.