All you need is Love: our favourite ideas for a sustainable Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is here which means we haven’t quite left the season of gift-giving behind us.
Whether you’re celebrating with your partner, family, friends, or even just taking a day for yourself (we all need one every once in a while), there are certain traditions that make the day of love what it is.
However, though the holiday may be one of love, indulgence and togetherness, it often comes at the expense of the planet - imported roses, single use cards, plastic balloons, heaps of waste from expensive dinners.
The good news is, celebrating Valentine’s Day the traditional way might not be cancelled just yet - showing your love and appreciation doesn’t have to be an expensive and wasteful practice! With a few small changes, our beloved traditions can enjoyed in a more mindful and eco-conscious way.
Here are our favourite ideas to keep the love flowing sustainably, just by making a few simple changes!
1. Get creative with handmade cards
Valentine’s Day is often joked about as a holiday created by greeting card companies to sell more cards, but whether it's true or not, it works! The holiday is the second busiest day to send cards, with over 25 million cards sent each year in the UK alone - most of which are non-recyclable and end up in landfills.
There’s something meaningful and therapeutic about making things ourselves, including cards! Nothing says romance more than ditching the premade cards and making one yourself, with your own confession of love rather than someone else’s words.
Why not repurpose old cards, use clippings, make collages from photos - get creative! If you have kids, get them involved and watch the masterpiece unfold - keeps them busy and you get to enjoy a little fun as well!
2. Eat-in over out
Food often brings people together, and so it's no surprise that romantic dinners are often the way to go on Valentine’s Day. However, spending an absurd amount of money at fancy restaurants is simply not sustainable, both for your wallet and for the planet - restaurant food waste increases on average by 35% during Valentine’s week!
What’s a better way to impress your loved one, friends or family member than to show off your culinary skills at home!
Why not opt for a home cooked meal made with love (and locally sourced ingredients), instead of breaking the bank on eating out. Set the mood eco-minded with cloth napkins, fairy lights or natural/plant-based candles and plastic-free decorations - maybe even have a go at making your own!
3. Buy Second Hand: Love Them While Loving the Planet
Why buy new when you can find something just as perfect and meaningful in a second-hand store? Shopping for vintage or pre-loved gifts can be a unique way to show you care. Whether it’s a quirky piece of jewellery, a rare book, or a retro sweater, buying second-hand is an eco-friendly option that reduces waste and promotes reusing. Plus, if you choose to shop at charity shops, you’re not only gifting your loved one something special, you’re also spreading the love to others by supporting a cause. It’s a win-win situation where you’re helping the planet and your community at the same time!
4. Gift Opportunities: Experiences Over Objects
Instead of adding more physical items to their collection, why not offer your loved one the gift of an opportunity—something they’ve always dreamed of or talked about doing? A membership to a museum, an art class, or a subscription to a local botanical garden would be a gift that keeps on giving, allowing them to explore and learn throughout the year. If they’ve been talking about cooking or learning a new language, why not sign them up for a class? These types of experiences encourage personal growth and memorable moments, and they don’t contribute to the cycle of excessive consumption. It’s the thoughtfulness and effort that count, not the price tag.
5. Experience Together: Create Memories, Not Waste
Sometimes the best gift isn’t something you can wrap, but something you can experience together. Rather than exchanging physical items, why not spend quality time with your loved one? A dinner date at a local farm-to-table restaurant, a cosy cinema night, or a day hiking through nature are all wonderful ways to create lasting memories.
The beauty of experiences is that they don’t require any waste—just good times and shared moments. You can even plan a weekend getaway to a nearby beach or countryside, enjoying the simplicity of nature. These moments are invaluable, and the memories you create will last far longer than any material object.
6. Give Reusable: Gifts That Keep on Giving
If you do decide to give a physical gift, make it something reusable. Skip the one-time-use items like plastic balloons or disposable flowers, and opt for a gift that has longevity. A beautiful hardcover book, a cozy blanket, or a high-quality kitchen appliance are not only thoughtful but also eco-friendly. These gifts are practical, sustainable, and, most importantly, they’ll remind your loved one of you every time they use it.
It’s about choosing something that fits into their life, rather than adding to the clutter or waste. Your love will be reflected in each use, making your gift both meaningful and long-lasting.
Wrapping It Up
Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be about over-the-top gifts or extravagant gestures.
This year, focus on the thought and sustainability behind your choices. Whether it’s buying second-hand, giving opportunities for growth, spending quality time together, or choosing reusable gifts, you can celebrate love in a way that’s kind to both your partner and the planet. After all, the best kind of love is the one that endures—and with these sustainable ideas, you’ll be creating memories that last a lifetime.
