Tips to a Garbage-free Valentine's Day
Tell someone you love them without all the garbage.
As a consumer-focused holiday–unfortunately, like most other holidays–we buy and consume a lot of garbage on this day to tell someone we love them.
Single-use plastic holds our rose bouquets together, wraps around heart-shaped candy boxes, and is found in wrapping paper and gift bags.
Where will it all go the next day? In the trash. And then they will end up in landfills or float down rivers to the ocean. This doesn’t sound like the love we wanted to share on Valentine’s Day.
Those celebrating the holiday said they plan to spend an average $196.31.
For all the money we spend on this day, we have the opportunity to make a difference–a difference for our health and the health of Mother Earth.
What can we do? Take the classic gift and swap for a garbage-free alternative.
1. Flower Bouquet
Instead of giving something dead, give a living plant. You’ll likely spend less and avoid the single-use plastic ribbons, bows, and wrapping around the bouquet.
Live plants symbolize growth and health.
If your significant other doesn’t have a green thumb, give them something hearty, like a spider plant, air plant, aloe, snake plant, or jade plant.
2. Chocolate
The typical Valentine’s Day chocolate box creates single-use waste for the planet and also garbage for our bodies–lots and lots of added sugar.
Skip the single-use packaging and reduce the amount of terrible ingredients by making a homemade dessert. Not so good in the kitchen? Go to your local store or coop and buy a sweet treat from their bulk section. (Don’t forget your reusable bag!)
3. Dinner
If you’re taking your love out for a meal, look for a sit-down restaurant with reusable dishware and silverware. Even better, pick a place that uses local ingredients.
On a budget, no problem. Avoid the cheap, garbage-filled take out and make a meal at home.
4. Card
If you can’t go without expressing your love on paper, choose a card that’s made of recycled material or reuse something you have at home.
Or you could avoid the card completely, get creative, and make a video telling your significant other how much you care about them. Even better, tell them in person. :)
5. Jewelry
What’s the problem with mainstream jewelry?
Mining of metals creates a large amount of toxic waste.
The diamond industry is filled with questionable working conditions, violence, and low wages.
The good news is, there are great alternatives to mainstream jewelry.
Search for ethical and sustainable brands.
Buy locally made, antique, vintage, or second-hand.
Find jewelry made from recycled metal.
6. Consumer Gifts
If you’re planning to buy a gift, skip the wrapping paper or reuse something like newspaper or a bag you have at home.
Or better yet, skip the item and give an experience. Try a cooking class together, couples massage, ice skating, or a movie night.
With a little creativity, you can still enjoy Valentine’s Day and avoid all the garbage! Let us know other ideas you have.
Cheers to a love-filled day.
XOXO
